Vertical geochemical profiling of an aquifer contaminated with JP-4 fuel
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Soil samples were collected at a site contaminated with jet fuel at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, and were analyzed for aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic acid metabolites, and phospholipid ester-linked fatty acids (PLFA). Vertically, concentrations of alkylbenzenes (with C1-C4 substitutions) ranged from less than 1.0 to 21.69 {mu}g/kg away from water table to 2605.96 {mu}g/kg in samples taken at water table in the contaminated areas. Contaminant concentration decreased to less than 1.0 {mu}g/kg in downgradient zone. Aromatic acid metabolites identified include o-, m-, and p-toluic acid, 2,4-, 2,5-, 3,5-, 2,6- and 3,4- dimethylbenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid. The contaminant profiles paralleled to the concentration profiles of alkylbenzenes, suggesting that the production of aromatic acid was associated with the microbial degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. PLFA ranging from C{sub 12} to C{sub 20} were determined in soil samples, including saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The only polyenoic acid detected was 18:2w6, a biomarker for protozoa. The total microbial biomass calculated from PLFA showed varied profiles within wells at different depths as well as at different wells at similar depths indicating considerable microbial heterogeneity in the subsurface over depths or lateral distance. The PLFA profiles also suggested a dominant anaerobic and aerobic microbial community in the aquifer solids.
- OSTI ID:
- 539012
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960807-; TRN: 97:004029-0080
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 212. national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Orlando, FL (United States), 25-30 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of 212th ACS national meeting; PB: 1830 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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