Numerical modeling of natural and enhanced denitrification processes in aquifers

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Water Resources Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91WR00474· OSTI ID:5745951

Kinzelbach, W; Schaefer, W ^[1]; Herzer, J ^[2]

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1. Kassel Univ. (West Germany)
2. Landesanstalt fuer Umweltschutz, Karlsruhe (West Germany)

Nitrate modeling in the groundwater environment must incorporate microbial denitrification as the major process of nitrate elimination. A multispecies transport model is presented which describes the interaction of oxygen, nitrate, organic carbon, and bacteria. Three phases (mobile pore water, biophase, and aquifer material) are taken into account. The model is applied to a natural aquifer situation as well as to an in situ remediation case where nitrate is employed as an oxidant. In the natural aquifer it is shown that the release of organic carbon from the matrix is the controlling factor for denitrification. In the remediation case, on the other hand, the data suggest that diffusion limitation of the nutrient supply to the biophase controls bacterial growth.

• OSTI ID: 5745951
• Journal Information: Water Resources Research; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resources Research; (United States) Vol. 27:6; ISSN 0043-1397; ISSN WRERA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AQUIFERS
BIODEGRADATION
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
DENITRIFICATION
DIFFUSION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GEOCHEMISTRY
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MITIGATION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
WATER