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Applied geologic, microbiological, and engineering constraints of in‐situ BTEX bioremediation
Author(s) -
Kennedy Lonnie G.,
Hutchins Stephen R.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
remediation journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.762
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1520-6831
pISSN - 1051-5658
DOI - 10.1002/rem.3440030107
Subject(s) - bioremediation , btex , environmental science , in situ , environmental chemistry , biochemical engineering , waste management , petroleum engineering , contamination , geology , chemistry , engineering , ethylbenzene , biology , ecology , benzene , organic chemistry
An in‐situ bioremediation project has been designed and constructed for a site in south‐central Kansas just north of Wichita. A pipeline leaked an unknown quantity of refinedfuels in the 1970s. The spill was undetected until hydrocarbons were found in a nearby municipal water supply well. Of concern, from a regulatory perspective, are the alkylbenzene components found in the groundwater, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Initial abatement procedures, including free product removal and pumping, had become ineffective. In‐situ bioremediation was selected to complete the restoration process. The project emphasizes the need for a strong understanding of the geologic and hydrogeologic conditions prevalent under the site. Site studies were conducted to determine the distribution and mass of the contaminant and the hydraulic regime. Laboratory microbial studies were used to determine the efficacy of nitrate as a primary electron acceptor. Information from site studies was used to design a treatment system tailored to the requirements of the site. The treatment system is designed to deliver the maximum amount of nutrient‐enriched water to the contaminated zone while maintaining hydraulic control of the site.