A practical evaluation of intrinsic bioremediation

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:567836

Mellinger, E; Blickle, F W ^[1]; Leone, G ^[2]; Macauley, D D ^[3]

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1. Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Boca Raton, FL (United States)
2. Waste Management, Inc., Atlanta, GA (United States)
3. Reynolds Metals Corp., Richmond, VA (United States)

Intrinsic bioremediation was evaluated to address low levels (less than 100 micrograms per liter) of chlorinated and non-chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater at a former industrial site. Historically, the site had been strip-mined for phosphate rock, and later reclaimed, resulting in a highly disturbed groundwater system. Although recent remedial activities at this site, including the operation of a groundwater recovery and treatment system have been effective at reducing VOC levels to their present concentrations, it does not appear that continued pumping will be effective at farther reducing VOC concentrations. In an effort to reassess remedial options, a preliminary study of in-situ naturally occurring transformation processes was performed. The study involved examining historical data for changes in contaminant concentrations, and collecting a {open_quotes}snap-shot{close_quotes} round of groundwater samples for analysis of geochemical indicator parameters and dissolved gases. The results of the preliminary study strongly suggested that intrinsic bioremediation was degrading the VOCs in the groundwater at the site, and that a second phase of more detailed investigation was warranted. This Phase II evaluation is currently underway.

• OSTI ID: 567836
• Report Number(s): CONF-971032--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
58 GEOSCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
GROUND WATER
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
REMEDIAL ACTION
VOLATILE MATTER