Nitrate as electron acceptor in in situ abandoned refinery site bioremediation
- TGU-GmbH, Koblenz (Germany)
The aquifer beneath an abandoned refinery site is highly polluted with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). After removal of the free phase by hydraulic measures until 1986, the immobile residual concentration located 6 to 10 m beneath the surface is still present and causes hydrocarbon concentrations from 10 to 100 mg/L in the groundwater. Laboratory tests proved the biodegradability of the hydrocarbon compounds under denitrifying conditions. Based on the results of the pilot study, large-scale bioremediation covering an area of about 20 ha was initiated. About 500 m{sup 3}/h of groundwater were extracted, and 400 m{sup 3}/h were recharged. The large-scale plant has been operating since 1991. Nitrate as an electron acceptor has been used since 1992. About 300 metric tons (MT) of hydrocarbons have been removed to date. The area of groundwater pollution is diminished by a factor of about two. More than 60% of all groundwater observation wells are now free of dissolved hydrocarbons. In addition, the decrease of biological nitrate consumption gives evidence of advanced bioremediation of the soil.
- OSTI ID:
- 490926
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483-; ISBN 1-57477-007-1; TRN: 97:011789
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 3. international in situ and on-site bioreclamation symposium, San Diego, CA (United States), 24-27 Apr 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Applied bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons; Hinchee, R.E.; Kittel, J.A. [eds.] [Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, OH (United States)]; Reisinger, H.J. [ed.] [Integrated Science and Technology, Inc., Marietta, GA (United States)]; PB: 547 p.; Bioremediation, Volume 3(6)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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