Successful in-situ bioremediation using actively managed circulation cells
Natural degradation of tetra and trichloroethene under anaerobic conditions occur via the process of reductive dechlorination in CHC-contaminated areas. In order to increase existing microbial CHC degradation, to an extent where complete degradation is achieved over a short time, an introduction of simple usable organic substrates is recommended. The basic requirement for fast and effective degradation of CHC by microbes is the direct contact among the infiltrated substrates, microorganisms and contaminants. The maximum distributions of substrates are achieved by employing the use of continuous actively guided circulation cells. This is because simple application of active substances using only injection lances or probes are often not sufficient to achieve remediation goals.
Technology / Features
Anaerobic bacteria use organic substances as a source of carbon for growth, while energy for metabolism and synthesis of biomass is obtained by anaerobic respiration, which is transporting reduction equivalents to an electron acceptor. Depending on the redox potential, nitrates, manganese; iron, sulfate; fumarate, carbon dioxide or carbonates are used as electron acceptors. In dehalorespiration, CHC compounds are used as electron acceptors, resulting in CHC dechlorination. A qualified plant engineer supervises the delivery, substrate dosing, distribution, infiltration and monitoring elements for groundwater treatment required for the installation of circulation cells. The operation is cyclic and includes a set of pulse infiltration, distribution and incubation cycles controlled by an in-situ conductivity sensor array measured as biomass propagation..
Dipl.-Ing. Mark Zittwitz
phone (030) 8094 1576