Pollution Engineering - March 2009 - (Page 29)

Getting Rid of FOREIGN OIL tain the biologically mediated degradation of COCs. Anaerobic bioremediation may be a slower process than aerobic, but it can efficiently degrade some compounds that are not reducing aerobically, such as many chlorinated and non-chlorinated organics. Bioaugmentation: Bioaugmentation involves introducing microbes (non-native organisms) known to have a propensity to biodegrade specific COCs. This technique may be utilized in the event that the existing population of microorganisms is not adequately promoting the desired biologically mediated reactions. This inoculation is typically conducted via injection or periodic slug addition by gravity feed into an existing well network. Carbon slurry bioremediation: This technology uses activated carbon filled with tailor-made facultative microorganisms, electron acceptors, and nutrients in an injectable slurry that first adsorbs contaminants in-situ, and then promotes anaerobic biodegradation via oxidative mechanisms of petroleum organics (primarily through sulfate reduction). It immediately lowers observed COC concentrations in the impacted matrix (soil and/or groundwater), as the activated carbon immobilizes the contamination, where a more traditional biodegradation process takes place within the activated carbon complex. During this process, groundwater quality is protected through the cleanup cycle by the activated carbon’s adsorptive capabilities. Portable mixing systems allow the injectate to be prepared onsite and placed by pump or gravity as needed. nologies rival excavation/source removal (with transportation/disposal costs soaring) when site closure is required in the shortest timeframe possible. Sites involved with real estate property transactions, third-party liability concerns, or associated with sensitive receptors are especially good candidates for injectionbased remediation because an expedited closure can be achieved. Injection technologies also rival traditional remediation systems as contaminants are often destroyed in-situ, where many traditional achieved by understanding where contaminants are found within the subsurface, how concentrated they are, and what technologies or combination of technologies may be applied to remediate them. PE Additional information can be obtained from Steve Kahn at LT Environmental Inc., Arvada, Colo.,at (303-433-9788). His company developed the TerraCert program to select the appropriate injectate. Visit www.pollutionengineering.com to electronically forward a copy of this article to a colleague or customer. TerraCert is a trademarked product of Conclusion These injection-based remediation technologies can require additional upfront costs when compared to long-term cleanups, but overall cost savings can be realized by avoiding years of monitoring, maintenance and reporting costs. These new technologies can be applied at almost any impacted site that would typically be approached using the standard in-situ or ex-situ remediation technologies. In addition, injection tech- “ Injection technologies are challenging scientists and engineers to develop more thorough site conceptual models. remediation systems often simply transfer contaminants from one phase to another, which perpetuates liability from a contaminant exposure perspective. These new injection technologies are challenging scientists and engineers to develop more thorough site conceptual models, and obtain a more complete understanding of chemical and microbiological processes to treat contaminants. Successful projects will most likely be LT Environmental. ” MARCH2009 www.pollutionengineering.com 29 http://www.pollutionengineering.com http://www.pollutionengineering.com

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Pollution Engineering - March 2009 Contents The Editor’s Desk EnviroNews PE Events Legal Lookout Green Connections Get Ready to Count Carbon Getting Rid of Foreign Oil Green Goes Underground Thermal Oxidizers Ocean-Front Remediation Pumps, Pipes and Valve Products Air Monitoring Equipment PE Products Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index State Rules

Pollution Engineering - March 2009

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