Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents

Overview Guidance Application Training Additional Resources

Guidance

Applicability of RCRA Section 3020 to In-Situ Treatment of Ground Water
2000

This memorandum clarifies that reinjection of treated ground water to promote in-situ treatment is allowed under section 3020(b) as long as certain conditions are met. Specifically, the ground water must be treated prior to reinjection; the treatment must be intended to substantially reduce hazardous constituents in the ground water – either before or after reinjection; the cleanup must be protective of human health and the environment; and the injection must be part of a response action under CERCLA section 104 or 106 or a RCRA corrective action intended to clean up the contamination.

Bioaugmentation for Remediation of Chlorinated Solvents: Technology Development, Status, and Research Needs
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). 126 pp, Oct 2005

This white paper reviews the state of bioaugmentation science at the present time, summarizes the current status of this rapidly evolving innovative technology, identifies the key issues confronting the science, and evaluates the lessons learned from current practical applications. This technology 'snapshot' may be useful to remedial project managers faced with selecting, designing, and implementing a bioaugmentation strategy.

Bioavailable Ferric Iron (BAFeIII) Assay: ESTCP Cost and Performance Report
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, ESTCP Project ER-0009, 43 pp, Feb 2007

This report describes the demonstration and validation at four DoD installations of a novel analytical technology: a bioavailable ferric iron (BAFe[III]) assay. BAFe(III) is defined as ferric iron (Fe[III]), a form that is capable of being reduced by microorganisms that oxidize another chemical species and derive energy from the electron transfer. BAFe(III) is an important terminal electron acceptor with significant assimilative capacity in many natural environments. Dissolved ferrous iron (Fe[II]) in ground water typically is measured to assess Fe(III) reduction and calculate assimilative capacity, but this measurement underestimates the terminal electron accepting process because most Fe(II) remains bound to the soil. Dissolved Fe(II) also gives no indication of the amount of Fe(III) present in aquifer soil that is bioavailable. BAFe(III) in the soil must be measured to quantify the true assimilative capacity of an aquifer. Iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB) use and are dependent on BAFe(III). FeRB are known to oxidize or mineralize organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, VC, and MTBE. Continued FeRB activity over a period of years is dependent on the presence of sufficient BAFe(III). BAFe(III) also can affect reductive dechlorination in monitored natural attenuation and enhanced anaerobic biodegradation (EAB) applications. The reductive dechlorination of TCE can stall at cDCE at high levels of BAFe(III), and further reductive dechlorination can be inhibited; therefore, knowledge of the BAFe(III) concentration can indicate the potential for incomplete reductive dechlorination of TCE. It also can be used for planning EAB remedies. If the BAFe(III) concentration is high enough to inhibit cDCE reductive dechlorination, reductive dechlorination of TCE to cDCE and VC followed by oxidative biodegradation of VC and possibly cDCE under iron-reducing conditions may be a better approach. The assay has an incubation time of 30 days.

Contaminants in the Subsurface: Source Zone Assessment and Remediation
National Research Council, Committee on Source Removal of Contaminants in the Subsurface. National Academies Press, Washington, DC. ISBN: 030909447X, 383 pp, 2004

After discussing the definition of 'source zone' and the characterization thereof, this report reviews the suite of technologies available for source remediation and their ability to reach a variety of cleanup goals, from meeting regulatory standards for ground water to reducing costs. The report proposes elements of a protocol for accomplishing source remediation that should enable project managers to decide whether and how to pursue source remediation at their sites.

Cost and Performance Reporting for In Situ Bioremediation Technologies
1996. Interstate Technology and Regulatory Cooperation (ITRC) Work Group. ISB-5, 3 pp.

Template for obtaining and reporting cost and performance information about the use of an in situ bioremediation technology.

Draft Technical Protocol: A Treatability Test for Evaluating the Potential Applicability of the Reductive Anaerobic Biological In Situ Treatment Technology (RABITT) to Remediate Chloroethenes
1998. J.J. Morse; B.C. Alleman; J.M. Gossett; S.H. Zinder; D.E. Fennell, Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, OH. AFRL-ML-TY-TR-1998-4522, NTIS: ADA352416/XAB, 94 pp.

Engineered Approaches to In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents: Fundamentals and Field Applications
EPA 542-R-00-008, 2000

This report provides an overview of in situ bioremediation to remediate chlorinated solvents in contaminated soil and groundwater. It describes degradation mechanisms for chlorinated solvents, enhancements of these mechanisms by the addition of various materials and chemicals, design approaches, and factors to consider when selecting and using the technology. A summary of treatment vendors and nine case studies of field applications are also included.

Enhanced Attenuation: A Reference Guide on Approaches to Increase the Natural Treatment Capacity of a System
T. Early, B. Borden, M. Heitkamp, B.B. Looney, D. Major, W.J. Waugh, G. Wein, T. Wiedemeier, K.M. Vangelas, K.M. Adams, and C.H. Sink.
WSRC-STI-2006-00083, Revision 1, 161 pp, Aug 2006

This guide covers the following EA approaches: (1) hydraulic manipulation to reduce contaminant infiltration using low-permeability barriers, diffusion barriers, covers, encapsulation, and diversion of electron acceptors; (2) passive residual source reduction (e.g., bioventing); (3) increase in system attenuation capacity via biological processes, such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and wetlands development and other plant-based methods; (4) abiotic and biologically mediated abiotic attenuation methods; and (5) reactive barriers.

Field Push-Pull Test Protocol for Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Y. Kim, M. Azizian, J. Istok, and L. Semprini.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, 83 pp, 2005

This protocol describes a newly developed field technology--the single-well push-pull test--for evaluating the feasibility of using in situ aerobic cometabolic processes to treat ground water contaminated with chlorinated solvent mixtures.

In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene: DNAPL Source Zones
Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC), Bioremediation of DNAPLs Team. BioDNAPL-3, 138 pp, June 2008

This publication systematically lays out the technical and related regulatory considerations for in situ bioremediation (ISB) of chlorinated ethene dense DNAPL source zones, providing information related to site characterization requirements, treatment system application and design criteria, process monitoring, and process optimization. The ability of ISB technology to enhance the dissolution and desorption of nonaqueous-phase contaminants to the aqueous phase, where they can be degraded by the microbial population, depends on the spatial distribution of DNAPL mass in the subsurface (e.g., pool/ganglia ratio) and the ability to deliver amendments throughout this architecture.

In Situ Bioremediation of TCE-Contaminated Groundwater
1998. B.J. Travis (Los Alamos National Lab., NM); N.D. Rosenberg (Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA). LA-UR-98-2605, NTIS: DE99001639, 22 pp.

The authors have developed a biokinetics model that includes microbial competition and predation processes. Predator species can feed on the microbial species that degrade contaminants. Simulation studies show that species interactions must be considered when designing in situ bioremediation systems. This report is the final product of a two-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The report is available through the DOE Information Bridge.

In-Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: an Assessment of Projects in California
California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Pollution Prevention and Technology Development.
OPPTD Document No. 1217, 163 pp, 2006.

During an evaluation of the performance of in situ bioremediation (ISB) systems at 5 sites in California, the reviewers observed several recurring issues. The project case studies illustrate the reviewers' recommendations for avoiding common ISB problems.

In-Situ Substrate Addition to Create Reactive Zones for Treatment of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: ESTCP Cost and Performance Report
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), CU-9920, 93 pp, Mar 2007

Demonstrations of enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) were conducted at two Air Force bases--Vandeberg and Hanscom--to show the ability of this bioremediation approach to dechlorinate TCE plumes in the subsurface over a relatively short time period and to gather information for estimating long-term treatment effectiveness, life span, and costs.

Installation Restoration Program Aerobic Cometabolic In Situ Bioremediation Technology Guidance Manual and Screening Software User's Guide
1998. Earth Technology Corp., Alexandria, VA, for the U.S. Air Force. AFRL-ML-TY-TR-1998-4530, NTIS: ADA359333, 82 pp.

This document presents the principles of aerobic cometabolic in situ bioremediation, mathematical models used to describe the technology, and a discussion of its applicability and limitations. A description is provided of a software program that can help determine if this technology is appropriate for implementation. The technology was implemented in a full-scale evaluation at Edwards AFB, California, to treat TCE contamination. The software and a PDF version of the guide are available online.

Manual for Biological Remediation Techniques
International Centre for Soil and Contaminated Sites, 81 pp, 2006

Provides an initial overview of selected organic contaminants, describes their susceptibility to microbial degradation in soil and ground water, and reviews their treatment potential by land farming, biobeds, bioreactors, bioslurping, bioventing, biosparging, bioscreen, bioaugmentation, and monitored natural attenuation. Monitoring of bioremediation progress is also discussed.

Operation and Analysis of the BEHIVS System at Edwards Air Force Base
P.L. McCarty, S.M. Gorelick, M.N. Goltz, G.D. Hopkins, and F.-J. Eisenberg.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). 109 pp, 2003.

This report summarizes the results of operation of the bioenhanced in-well vapor stripping (BEHIVS) system at Edwards AFB in 2001, numerical modeling analysis of the results, study conclusions, and recommendations for application of the BEHIVS system at other sites.

Overview of In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene DNAPL Source Zones
The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Bioremediation of DNAPLs Team.
BioDNAPL-1, 89 pp, 2005.

Principles and Practices of Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents
2004. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE), 457 pp.

This document was published by the Air Force, Navy and the DoD Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). The objective of this Principles and Practices document is to describe the state of the practice of enhanced anaerobic bioremediation. The scientific basis of enhanced anaerobic bioremediation is explained, and relevant site selection, design, and performance criteria for various engineered approaches in current practice are discussed

Protocol for Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation Using Emulsified Edible Oil
Robert Borden, Solutions-IES.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, 100 pp, May 2006

Reductive Anaerobic Biological In-Situ Treatment Technology (RABITT) Treatability Test. Interim Report
2001. Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Arlington, VA, 16 pp.

A Review of Biofouling Controls for Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation of Groundwater
Environmental Security & Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-0429, 62 pp, 2005

Strategies for Monitoring the Performance of DNAPL Source Zone Remedies
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Dense Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids Team. DNAPLs-5, 206 pp., Aug 2004.

This document is intended for regulators and others interested in learning about approaches to performance monitoring while implementing various in situ technologies for the treatment of DNAPLs. In this document, we present a number of ways in which the success or failure in treating a DNAPL source zone has been measured. Because the vast majority of experience in DNAPL source zone remediation has been in unconsolidated geologies, such as sands and silts, many of the conclusions, recommendations, and lessons learned presented in this document do not necessarily transfer to performance assessment in fractured bedrock, karst, or other consolidated geologies.

A Systematic Approach to In Situ Bioremediation in Groundwater, Including Decision Trees for In Situ Bioremediation of Nitrates, Carbon Tetrachloride, and Perchlorate
2002. Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council. ITRC ISB-8, 158 pp.

Technical Protocol for Using Soluble Carbohydrates to Enhance Reductive Dechlorination of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
S.S. Suthersan, C.C. Lutes, P.L. Palmer, F. Lenzo, F.C. Payne, D.S. Liles, and J. Burdick.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). 173 pp, 2002.

This protocol provides guidance for successful site selection and application of enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) technology for remediation of chlorinated hydrocarbons through stimulation by soluble carbohydrates. The ERD technology (patented by ARCADIS) stimulates indigenous microbiological organisms through the engineered addition of electron donors (e.g., molasses, whey, high-fructose corn syrup, lactate, butyrate, benzoate) that contain degradable organic carbon sources.

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Last updated on Monday, July 28, 2008