In situ demonstration of anaerobic BTEX biodegradation through controlled-release experiments

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:490937

Reinhard, M; Hopkins, G D; Orwin, E; Shang, S ^[1]; Lebron, C A ^[2]

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1. Stanford Univ., CA (United States). Western Region Hazardous Substance Research Center
2. Naval Facilities Engineering Services Center, Port Hueneme, CA (United States). Restoration Development Branch

Anaerobic biodegradation of the aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene and o-xylene (BTEX) was studied in situ within the anaerobic zone of a weathered gasoline spill site. Slug tests were conducted in which approximately 1,000 L of treated anaerobic groundwater was injected into a test zone through a multiport injection well. The injectate contained bromide as the conservative tracer, nitrate or sulfate as the electron acceptor, and trace concentrations of BTEX compounds. Following injection, water was withdraw and analyzed for bromide, nitrate, sulfate, and BTEX. Under denitrification conditions, transformation was complete within 8 days for toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene and within 75 days for o-xylene. Benzene removal was not observed within the time span and the conditions of the experiment. With sulfate as the predominant electron acceptor under sulfidogenic conditions, toluene, and m- and o-xylene were transformed and completely removed over a period of 40 to 50 days. Ethylbenzene removal began to accelerate after 30 days. Benzene removal was slow but appeared to be significant.

• Sponsoring Organization: Department of the Navy, Washington, DC (United States); Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 490937
• Report Number(s): CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-007-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
BENZENE
BIODEGRADATION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
IN-SITU PROCESSING
NUTRIENTS
OIL SPILLS
REMEDIAL ACTION
TOLUENE
XYLENES