Estimates of Electron Acceptor and Nutrient Requirements

The most important criterion to assure that hydraulic control of the contaminated area is maintained during the remediation program is the proper layout of injection and extraction wells. This is important obviously to minimize and exclude the significant spreading of contaminants into clean areas and to ensure the focus of bioremediation efforts in the areas of highest concentration of contaminants. Important parameters to be considered are as follows  

Extraction wells are usually necessary to maintain hydraulic control of the plume and to ensure that the plume does not migrate into clean areas or accelerate migration toward sensitive receptors. Placement of extraction wells is especially important with systems that use nutrient injection wells or infiltration galleries. These sources of fluids can alter natural groundwater flow patterns, which may cause contaminant migration in an unintended direction or rate. If the natural groundwater system has a sufficient concentration of electron acceptors and nutrients, to achieve remediation at an acceptable rate, it may not be necessary to add any additional materials. 

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