| The objectives of this project are to determine the potential for anaerobic microbial cultures to biodegrade chlorinated ethenes present as dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) and to determine the potential for biodegradation to enhance mass transfer rates from the DNAPL into the aqueous phase.{09}The effect of enhanced bioremediation on DNAPL was evaluated using two-dimensional model aquifers containing a tetrachloroethene (PCE) DNAPL. This study involved the construction and operation of a two dimensional model aquifer using a PCE DNAPL. Duplicate model aquifers were constructed, one serving as a control for the other. The model aquifers were packed with soil collected from Dover Air Force Base, DE. The study consisted of four phases: setup, groundwater flush, biostimulation and bioaugmentation with KB-1, an enriched dechlorinating culture. During biostimulation, no observable increase in mass flux was observed, but bioaugmentation doubled the rate of dissolution compared to the control model aquifer. |
