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U.S. Department of Energy
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Intrinsic anaerobic biodegradation of chlorinated solvents at a manufacturing plant

Conference ·
OSTI ID:435461
;  [1];
  1. Chevron Research and Technology Co., Richmond, CA (United States)

Groundwater monitoring data collected since 1986 provide evidence that intrinsic remediation of tetrachloroethane (PCE) and trichloroethane (TCE) is occurring in groundwater within the two shallow-most water-bearing zones (A- and C-Zones) beneath a manufacturing plant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Low dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements, low (negative) oxidation-reduction (redox) potentials, and the presence of other redox indicators, indicate anaerobic conditions required for reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) exist in groundwater at the site. The presence of intermediate and final breakdown products, such as 1,2-dichloroethene (1,2-DCE), vinyl chloride, and ethene, demonstrates reductive dechlorination of PCE and TCE is occurring. An analysis of trends in PCE and TCE mass versus time also provides evidence of intrinsic remediation of these compound. The estimated total mass of PCE and TCE in both the A- and C-Zones over time indicate a decline in these parent CVOCs.

OSTI ID:
435461
Report Number(s):
CONF-9606300--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English