Effects of mobile bacteria in bioremediation operations
- Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
Introduction of exogenous bacteria in a bioremediation operation can enhance the transport of contaminants in groundwater by reducing the retardation effects. Because of their colloidal size and favorable surface conditions, bacteria can be efficient contaminant carriers. In cases where contaminants have low mobility because of their high partition with the solid matrix, facilitated contaminant transport by mobile bacteria can create high contaminant fluxes. A mathematical model was developed to describe the subsurface transport and fate of bacteria and a contaminant that serves as a bacterial nutrient. Solutions were obtained to provide estimates of contaminant and bacterial concentrations. The results show that the presence of mobile bacteria can enhance contaminant transport because of their cell characteristics under some conditions.
- OSTI ID:
- 474241
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-004-7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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