Biosparging used in aquifer remediation
Air sparging is a popular technology for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. However, the effectiveness of a sparging system depends on data collected from a well-designed pilot test. There are few established protocols for conducting reliable pilot tests. Air sparging typically is defined as the introduction of air below the water table to promote site remediation. The remediation process associated with sparging may be physical, biological or both. In the physical process, volatile contaminants are transferred from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase and removed via the injected air stream. The biological process involves delivery of supplemental oxygen to promote aerobic respiration. Biosparging refers to air injection at pressures and flow rates sufficient to deliver supplemental oxygen, but less than those required to volatilize significant contamination. Evidence indicates properly designed sparging systems significantly enhance both biodegradation and volatilization. Determining the potential success of sparging at a particular site requires a pilot test to determine site conditions.
- OSTI ID:
- 78041
- Journal Information:
- Pollution Engineering, Vol. 27, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: May 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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