In Situ Biological Treatment Test at Kelly Air Force Base. Volume 2. Field Test Results and Cost Model.

Abstract

The objective of this effort was to field test in situ biodegradation to treat aquifer contaminants. In situ biodegradation is enhanced by stimulating in indigenous subsurface microbial population by the addition of nutrients and an oxygen source to promote degradation of organic contaminants. In situ treatments affects contaminants with a mixture of organic and inorganic chemicals. The treatment system consisted of an array of nine pumping wells and four infiltration wells. These wells circulated groundwater and transported the treatment chemical s throughout the 2800 square feet treatment area. Oxygen was supplied by means of a hydrogen peroxide solution. Nutrients were principally ammonium and phosphate salts. The system was operated for 9 months. Data showed evidence of both aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation. Decreases in tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene concentrations in groundwater correlate with anaerobic microcosm tests. Aerobic biodegradation was indicated by acid and carbon dioxide production, and increases in petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in groundwater, However, any biodegradation of these hydrocarbons was too small to be quantified. The study confirms that indigenous bacteria can be enhanced to degrade organic contaminants. The problems with in situ treatment are primarily those of delivery of chemicals and minimizing adverse reactions between injection chemicals and subsurface minerals. Keywords: Microbiology, Waste treatment, Pollutants, Costs analysis, Heavy metals, Biological degradation, Groundwater treatment, Underground pollutants.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA187486

Entities

People

  • Connie M. Durst
  • Donald H. Davidson
  • Douglas J. Sarno
  • Roger S. Wetzel

Organizations

  • Leidos

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkenes
  • Biodegradation
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Protection
  • Groundwater
  • Iron Compounds
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Microarchitecture
  • Microorganisms
  • Minerals
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Petroleum

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Bioremediation