Anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents contaminated aquifers in the presence of DNAPL: THE RHO TEST SITE PROJECT

Abstract

This paper illustrates some of the results of a research project aimed at developing enhanced biological in-situ treatment technologies for the remediation of chlorinated solvent contaminated aquifers in the presence of DNAPL. Full scale implementation of effective biologically-based remediation is currently limited by the lack of reliable techniques for the identification and characterization of DNAPL distribution as well as lack of knowledge of biological degradation and related physical-chemical effects at DNAPL-water interface. Investigation of such aspects, requires specific information on contaminant composition and distribution, site hydrogeology and microorganism distribution and should then be accomplished directly on a test site. A comprehensive approach resulting from the combination of laboratory and field activity has been developed and applied to a test site where former industrial activities have produced soil and ground water contamination. Preliminary results together with some general considerations are discussed.