Extended Bioremediation Study of the POPILE, Inc., Site, El Dorado, Arkansas
Abstract
A pilot scale study was conducted using land treatment units (LTUs) to evaluate the efficacy of bioremediation using traditional landfarming technology on contaminated soil from a wood treatment facility. An initial 6-month, intensive treatment plan was followed by 24 months of treatment that was performed quarterly. Initial site characterization indicated a clay/silt soil with contamination levels of 13,000 mg!kg polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 105 mg/kg benzo(a)pyrene equivalents, and 1500 mg/kg pentacholorphenol (PCP). PAH concentrations declined, reaching a plateau at 13 months, followed by a second reduction. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis of the contaminants showed removal into the four-ring PAHs. Leachability tests at 22 months showed that contaminant leaching from treated material was negligible. The concentration of available PCP was not reduced in wither LTU. Chemical analysis was coupled with phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) bacterial characterization. Significant biological activity was demonstrated, even at these high contaminant concentrations. PLFA analysis showed an increase in biomass and a divergence in community composition between the initial and final soils and between the two experimental soils.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA398612
Entities
People
- Catherine C. Nestler
- David B. Ringelberg
- Lance D. Hansen
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center