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Dissolution and biorestoration of nonaqueous phase hydrocarbons: Model development and laboratory evaluation

Journal Article · · Water Resources Research; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/93WR00583· OSTI ID:5475587
; ;  [1]
  1. North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC (United States)

Ground water contamination due to accidental spills or releases of petroleum products is widespread. Numerous alternatives are currently being used for remediation of petroleum contaminated sites. A numerical model has been developed to simulate the enhanced biorestoration of aquifer material contaminated with residual nonaqueous phase liquid hydrocarbons. Comparison of model simulations with laboratory results indicates that the model is capable of simulating the extent of hydrocarbon biodegradation using reasonable model parameters. The major assumption is that benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are initially biotransformed to an oxygenated intermediate. Model simulations indicate that if BTX is assumed to be directly mineralized, the model will greatly underestimate the extent of biotransformation. The model was not able to simulate hydrocarbon biotransformation once the concentration of an individual compound fell below approximately 0.001 mmolL[sup -1].

OSTI ID:
5475587
Journal Information:
Water Resources Research; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resources Research; (United States) Vol. 29:7; ISSN WRERAQ; ISSN 0043-1397
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English