Assessment of in situ biodegradation
Research focuses on the investigation of in situ biodegradation of contaminants
in both aquifers and pilot constructed wetland .
The field research take place in Bitterfeld, where chlorinated aliphatics and
aromatics are the major pollutants, in Zeitz , where BTEX (benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene and xylene) compounds are predominant as well as in Leuna,
where MTBE occurs in high concentrations. Main research question include the
applicability of 
stable isotope analysis
for the monitoring and quantification of contaminant under field conditions.
In particular, we investigate the substance distribution and "biochemical history"
of pollutants at the field sites and we apply and validate the BACTRAP concept.
Current research:
Assessment of biodegradation in contaminated aquifers:
Zeitz:
Proof of BTEX-degradation
Assessment of degradation pathways
Quantification of biodegradation
Bitterfeld:
Anaerobic monochlorobenzene degradation
Monitoring of chlorinated ethenes degradation
Leuna:
Proof of MTBE-degradation
Proof of TBA-degradation
Assessment of biodegradation in constructed wetlands:
Responsible scientists:
Hans Richnow
