In-situ bioremediation destroys carbon tetrachloride in Hanford aquifer

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Environmental Solutions

OSTI ID:128789

Truex, M J ^[1]

---

1. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)

Carbon tetrachloride is a persistent contaminant; however, researchers at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Washington, have found a way to destroy it in its place. Indigenous microbes were used last summer to destroy carbon tetrachloride during an in-situ bioremediation demonstration at the Hanford Site. Defense materials were produced at Hanford beginning in 1943. From 1955 to 1973, carbon tetrachloride, nitrate, water and other materials from plutonium-recovery processes were discharged to subsurface liquid-waste disposal facilities. As much as 900,000 kilograms of carbon tetrachloride may have entered the soil column from these activities, and a portion has contaminated the underlying aquifer. This summer, researchers at DOE`s Pacific Northwest Laboratory destroyed carbon tetrachloride and nitrate within the plume. During 70 days of steady-state operation, microbial levels were increased and controlled, and carbon tetrachloride destruction was sustained. A computer design tool was used to support process-control decisions by the staff. The successful demonstration is an important step in making in-situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents a viable technology.

• OSTI ID: 128789
• Journal Information: Environmental Solutions, Journal Name: Environmental Solutions Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 8; ISSN ESOLE7; ISSN 1077-2537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
AQUIFERS
BIODEGRADATION
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
HANFORD RESERVATION
NITRATES
REMEDIAL ACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT