Title | Aerobic biodegradation of petroleum-contaminated soil: Simulations from soil microcosms |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1996 |
Authors | Ostendorf DW, Long SC, Schoenberg TH, Pollock SJ |
Journal | Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board |
Volume | 1546 |
Start Page | 121 |
Pagination | 121-130 |
ISSN | 0361-1981 |
Abstract | The capacity of natural bacteria to aerobically degrade hydrocarbon vapors was measured and modeled to assess the potential of bioventing to reduce exhaust vapor treatment requirements at a petroleum spill site. Five sets of aerobic soil microcosms from the vadose zone of a Massachusetts Highway Department contaminated right-of-way were dosed with different initial petroleum vapor standard concentrations, then monitored by gas chromatographic analysis over a 55-day period. The five sets yielded an average maximum reaction rate of 20 μg/m3 (soil gas)-sec, which compared favorably with studies of light hydrocarbon vapor degradation in sandy soils from other sites. The calibrated rate was incorporated into a steady-state bioventing model that simulated the evaporation of 34 000 L of petroleum over a 170-year natural release period and an 8-year accelerated release period for 10-day residence time. Aerobic degradation for a 10-day residence time reduced exhaust vapor concentrations by over 100 percent for natural release rates, with a 13 percent reduction under accelerated conditions. |
URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1546-14 |
DOI | 10.3141/1546-14 |