Slurry biocascade degradation of fuels in soils and sediments: Feasibility and controlling factors
A slurry biocascade for the degradation of fuels in highly contaminated, weathered, clay-rich soils and sediments has been developed. In this biocascade approach, different bacterial populations are optimized for sequential steps in the petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. When compared to the batch approach (in which the microbial population must constantly adapt to a depleting and more recalcitrant carbon source), the biocascade was shown to be much more effective both in terms of the rate and degree of degradation. Pilot-scale studies have demonstrated the feasibility of the cascade biotreatment approach in off-the-shelf commercial bioreactors. The results from these bench and pilot studies and the lessons learned are presented. The successful biodegradation and remediation of fuels in soils and sediments will depend upon an understanding of the interactions between petroleum contaminants and the soil or sediment matrix, and how these will affect the extent and rate of biodegradability. These issues may affect the potential success or failure at some sites. Experiments were carried out to determine the effects of substrate minearalogy on the biodegradability of fuel components. The implications for biotreatment of fuel contaminated soils and sediments. and how they might affect bioslurry treatment are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center, San Diego, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 250592
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-303326/3/XAB; TRN: 61490475
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Sep 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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