Remediation & Mitigation Strategies Flashcards

Phytoremediation using sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) is particularly effective for which soil contaminant?

Answer: Heavy metals including lead and uranium

Sunflowers are hyperaccumulators proven effective at extracting heavy metals such as lead, cesium, and uranium from contaminated soils.

What is the purpose of a 'French drain' as a site mitigation strategy?

Answer: To redirect subsurface water away from problem areas

A French drain uses a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench to intercept and redirect subsurface water, mitigating waterlogging and drainage problems.

A grounds manager is tasked with remediating a pesticide spill on turf. Which action should be taken FIRST?

Answer: Contain the spill to prevent further spread

Containing the spill immediately prevents further environmental spread and limits the total area requiring remediation.

Which soil amendment is most commonly used to immobilize heavy metal contaminants through pH adjustment?

Answer: Agricultural lime

Agricultural lime raises soil pH, causing many heavy metals to precipitate into less soluble, less bioavailable forms in the soil matrix.

What is 'in-situ chemical oxidation' (ISCO) used for in site remediation?

Answer: Injecting oxidants into soil or groundwater to destroy organic contaminants

ISCO involves injecting powerful oxidants such as permanganate or persulfate directly into contaminated zones to chemically destroy organic contaminants.

A rain garden designed for stormwater mitigation performs best when planted with which type of vegetation?

Answer: Deep-rooted native plants tolerant of both wet and dry conditions

Deep-rooted native plants improve infiltration, tolerate periodic flooding and drought cycles, and require minimal maintenance in rain garden applications.

Which erosion control practice is most appropriate for stabilizing a freshly graded slope within 24 hours of a predicted storm?

Answer: Applying erosion control blanket or hydraulic mulch

Erosion control blankets or hydraulic mulch (hydroseeding tackifier) provide immediate surface protection against raindrop impact and runoff before vegetation establishes.