Integrated Field, Laboratory, and Modeling Studies to Determine the Effects of Linked Microbial and Physical Spatial Heterogeneity on Engineered Vadose Zone Bioremediation

Brockman, Fred J. ; Selker, John S.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Phosphorus;    Pumping;    Biological Fouling;    Bioremediation;    Targets;   

DOI  :  10.2172/833635
RP-ID  :  EMSP-70165--2003
RP-ID  :  FG07-99ER62887
RP-ID  :  833635

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The objective of the project at large was to experiment with new methods for bioremediation of carbon tetrachloride plumes in the soils at the Hanford Site in Richland, WA. Traditionally, biostimulation occurs via pumping of liquid nutrient solution into the vadose zone, however an alternate methodology utilizes the introduction of gaseous nutrients, specifically nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon sources. The movement of liquid through the vadose zone tends to disperse contaminant plumes, and/or cause biofouling (excessive microbial growth) in the vicinity of injection wells. Alternatively, gas-phase nutrient introduction yields greater dispersion of molecules and little to no displacement of target plumes. Once vapor-phase molecules solubilize into soil water, they become bioavailable and should thus encourage colonization and degradation. The feasibility of this method of nutrient delivery was studied in an experimental laboratory system, the goal of which was to observe, in situ, microbial colonization in response to gaseous nutrient injection. It was hoped that these observations would aid in predictive modeling of microbial behavior in field scale bioremediation.