Naphthalene was microbially transformed in sulfate‐reducing laboratory microcosms established under strictly anaerobic conditions using sediment from two sulfate‐rich, coal tar‐contaminated aquifers and enriched over a 3‐year period. As much as 66% of [14C]naphthalene was mineralized to CO2 over 13 days. Addition of sodium molybdate inhibited sulfidogenesis and resulted in a 44% reduction in total [14C]naphthalene mineralized. Methane was never detected in active naphthalene‐degrading microcosms, and formation of sulfide during naphthalene degradation was confirmed using a 35SO2−4 radiotracer technique. GC/MS analyses of stabilized naphthalene‐degrading consortia indicated the formation of naphthalenol as a potential metabolic intermediate. These results demonstrate that naphthalene oxidation may be coupled to sulfate reduction in aquifer‐derived sediments.
A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using constructed treatment wetlands to remediate recovered groundwater from the subsurface of a former refinery site. The pilot system consisted of four subsurface flow treatment cells operated in an upward vertical flow mode and equipped with subsurface aeration lines. The treatment system showed minimal capability for methyl-tert-butyl ether removal, but did effectively remove total petroleum hydrocarbons-deisel range organics and total benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-, m-, and p-xylenes (total BTEX). Effluent benzene concentrations were less than 0.05 mg/L in 70% of the samples from a treatment cell using subsurface aeration and a wetland sod amendment. Based on 1 year of operating data, cumulative mass removal approached 80% for benzene and 88% for total BTEX. Water Environ. Res., 79, 581 (2007).
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