Relating ground water and sediment chemistry to microbial characterization at a BTEX-contaminated site

Journal Article · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02920474· OSTI ID:576279

Pfiffner, S M; Palumbo, A V; McCarthy, J F ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); and others

The National Center for Manufacturing Science is investigating bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon at a site near Belleville, MI. As part of this study, we examined the microbial communities to help elucidate biodegradative processes currently active at the site. We observed high densities of aerobic hydrocarbon degraders and denitrifiers in the less-contaminated sediments. Low densities of iron and sulfate reducers were measured in the same sediments. In contrast, the highly contaminated sediments showed low densities of aerobic hydrocarbon degraders and denitrifiers, and high densities of iron and sulfate reducers. Methanogens were also found in these highly contaminated sediments. These contaminated sediments also showed a higher biomass, by the phospholipid fatty acids, and greater ratios of phospholipid fatty acids, which indicate stress within the microbial community. Aquifer chemistry analyses indicated that the highly contaminated area was more reduced and had lower sulfate than the less-contaminated area. These conditions suggest that the subsurface environment at the highly contaminated area had progressed into sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. The less-contaminated area, although less reduced, also appeared to be progressing into primarily iron- and sulfate-reducing microbial communities. The proposed treatment to stimulate bioremediation includes addition of oxygen and nitrate to the subsurface. 24 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 576279
• Report Number(s): CONF-960539--
• Journal Information: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Journal Name: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Vol. 63-65; ISSN ABIBDL; ISSN 0273-2289
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BENZENE
BIOCONVERSION
COST
GROUND WATER
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL
SEDIMENTS
SOILS
TOLUENE
XYLENES