Irizarry-Sepúlveda, Celys

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    Historical assessment of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) and phthalates contamination in the northern karst aquifer of Puerto Rico using GIS
    (2014-12) Irizarry-Sepúlveda, Celys; Padilla-Cestero, Ingrid Y.; College of Engineering; Flores, José L.; Hwang, Sangchul; Department of Civil Engineering; Macchiavelli, Raúl E.
    Contamination in Puerto Rico (PR) is extensive with more than 150 contaminated sites and a vast contamination of water resources. Among the most impacted areas is the northern coast karst aquifer. This project (1) evaluates the extent of contamination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) and phthalates in the karst groundwater in northern PR; and (2) provides recommendation for the selection of representative wells and spring to sample near contaminated areas. In order to determine the extent of CVOC and phthalate contamination, historical sampling data has been obtained and analyzed using GIS tools. The historical information is obtained from the EPA, USGS, PR Department of Health, and PR Environmental Quality Board. It includes water quality of wells and springs and potential sources of contamination, including superfunds, landfills and RCRA Corrective Action sites. Preliminary assessment indicates a wide extend of contamination that has been sustained through decades. Recommendations are made for sampling sites based on proximity to major contamination sources, previous contaminant detection, water and site use, status of wells, site accessibility and possible groundwater path. Most of the recommended sites have been added to a sampling network and are being sampled by UPRM. Results from these sites are analyzed in this project.