Aquifers, biorestoration

Hutchins and co-workers. Nitrate for Biorestoration of an Aquifer Contaminated with Jet Fuel, ReportforJune 1988—Sept. 1990, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with Solar Universal Technologies, Inc., NSI Technology Services Corp., Traverse Group, Inc., and 9th Coast Guard District, 1991. 

FIGURE 13.7 Schematic cross sections of enhanced biorestoration of unconfined aquifers. 

Hunkeler, D., P. Hohener, A. Haner, T. Bregnard, and J. Zeyer, Quantification of hydrocarbon mineralization in a diesel fuel contaminated aquifer treated by in situ biorestoration . In Groundwater Quality Remediation and Protection, K. Kovar and J. Krasny, Eds., IAHS Press, Wallingford, UK, 1995, pp. 411-420. 

There are three basic approaches to the treatment of contaminated aquifers physical containment, in situ biorestoration, and above-ground treatment. 

Contaminated subsurface aquifers can also be treated by relying on the indigenous microflora and introducing nutrients. If necessary, oxygen is added to destroy unwanted molecules. This process is sometimes called biorestoration. 

Use of nitrate as an alternative electron acceptor for in situ treatment in an anaerobic biorestoration field demonstration project was reported by researchers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (54, 55). A shallow aquifer contaminated with jet fuel spill was the study site in which BTX removal by nitrate addition, along with other essential nutrients, was examined. Significant depletion of benzene, toluene, and m- and p-xylenes (but not o-xylene) were observed. Benzene loss was attributed to oxygen, whereas toluene and xylene losses appeared to be related to the nitrate and nutrient additions (54, 55). 

Nitrate for Biorestoration of an Aquifer Contaminated with Jet Fuel U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991, EPA/600/S2-91/009. 

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