Soil moisture effects during bioventing in fuel-contaminated arid soils
- Battelle Columbus, OH (United States)
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, Port Hueneme, CA (United States)
- Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA (United States). National Resources/Environmental Affairs Div.
This study evaluated the effects of soil moisture addition on microbial activity during bioventing of dry, sandy soils at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, California. Soils at the site have been contaminated to a depth of approximately 80 ft (24 m) with gasoline, JP-5 jet fuel, and diesel fuel. Based on the low soil moisture measured at the site (2 to 3% by weight), it was determined that soil moisture may be limiting biodegradation. To evaluate the effect that moisture addition had on microbial activity under field conditions, a subsurface drip irrigation system was installed above the fuel hydrocarbon plume. Irrigation water was obtained from two monitoring wells on the site, where groundwater was approximately 192 ft (59 m) below ground surface. Advancement of the wetting front was monitored. In situ respiration rates increased significantly after moisture addition. The results of this study provide evidence for the potential applicability of moisture addition in conjunction with bioventing for site remediation in arid environments. Further work is planned to investigate optimization of moisture addition.
- OSTI ID:
- 467751
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-003-9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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