In Situ Generation of Oxygen By Electrolysis and the Electrochemical Effects on Microorganisms' Population

Abstract

The objective of this program was to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of in situ electrolysis of groundwater on the growth of soil microorganisms. The electrolysis method was used to supply oxygen to soil microorganisms to enhance bioremediation of sites that are contaminated with hydrocarbons. Electrochemical tests were performed with two different types of soils in a 10-gallon glass container. Experimental variables examined included driving voltage, current, and electrode spacing. Stainless steel mesh was used for both the anode and the cathode. Depending on the soil, a sustained supply of dissolved oxygen up to 16 ppm was achieved. The population of soil microorganisms increased with increasing the oxygen content in the groundwater. A slight decrease in the population was seen at the cathode, which might have been due to an increase in the pH at the cathode.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA252358

Entities

People

  • M. K. Han
  • R. E. Wyza
  • R. F. Olfenbuttel

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bacteria
  • Biodegradation
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolysis
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Environmental Protection
  • Flow Rate
  • Fungi
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Microorganisms
  • Test Facilities
  • Waste Management
  • Water Flow

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Bioremediation
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster