The Effect of Heating During In Situ Remediation on the Dynamics and Activity of Soil Microorganisms
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to advance knowledge regarding the microbial ecology associated with in situ resistive heating remediation technologies. After being unable to identify a cooperating remediation site using resistive heating, the study focused on understanding the microbial ecology at the lab-scale. Experiments were performed in three insulated boxes (0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.1 m) containing medium sand soil heated to just below 100 degrees centigrade. After heating for 20 hours, cooling to room temperature, and remaining at room temperature for one week, three different amendments were tested: organic media, inorganic media, and sterile water. Acridine Orange Direct Counts (AODC) and Phospholipid Fatty Acid Analysis (PLFA) one week after the nutrient addition indicated that the microbial numbers for the organic treatment were highest, but only half the initial count. The primary features of the community structure changes from the initial soil were small increases in gram positive bacteria and small decreases in eukaryotes. Heating and cooling 2-dimensional temperature profiles measured during the experiments were compared to profiles generated from mathematical models. This study provides helpful groundwork for future resistive heating microbial ecology studies at the field scale.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA383802
Entities
People
- Keith A. Schimmel
Organizations
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University