In Situ Bioremediation of MTBE in Groundwater
Abstract
Treatment of MTBE-contaminated aquifers is difficult because the unique chemical properties of MTBE (relatively high soluble relatively low sorption relatively low Henry's Law Constant compared to BTEX compound properties) render most conventional groundwater treatment approaches ineffective or impracticable. Currently, conventional pump-and-treat (P&T) followed by aboveground water treatment and discharge is thought to be the only reliable option. However P&T is known to be a slow source zone treatment option it is maintenance-intensive and as a result is a relatively costly option at many sites. Preliminary American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated suggest that the presence of MTBE at a fuel release site could at least double the corrective action cost relative to at similar site without MTBE (API 1997; Bauman 1997). This demonstration illustrates the potential of an innovative technology designed to contain dissolved MTBE groundwater plumes. In this technology a biologically reactive groundwater flow-through barrier (the "bio-barrier") is established down gradient of a gasoline-spill source zone. Groundwater containing dissolved MTBE flows to and through the bio-barrier. As is passes through the bio-barrier the MTBE is converted by microorganisms to innocuous by-products (carbon dioxide and water). Groundwater leaving the down-gradient edge of the treatment zone contains MTBE at concentrations less than or equal to the treatment target levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421454
Entities
People
- Cristin Bruce
- Karen Miller
- Paul Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center