Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1021/es800331p
Title (Primary) Sulfur cycling and biodegradation in contaminated aquifers: insights from stable isotope investigations
Author Knöller, K.; Vogt, C.; Feisthauer, S.; Weise, S.M.; Weiß, H. ORCID logo ; Richnow, H.H.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Technology
Year 2008
Department ISOBIO; GWS; ISOHYD
Volume 42
Issue 21
Page From 7807
Page To 7812
Language englisch
Abstract We applied the dual isotope System (delta S-34-delta O-18-SO42-) to investigate the relevance of bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) for natural biodegradation in an anaerobic, sulfate rich aquifer contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. Isotope fractionation parameters were determined in column experiments operated under near in situ conditions at the site of the contaminated aquifer. Using those fractionation parameters as a reference, we showed that differences between field derived and experimental fractionation parameters provide essential information on the determination of secondary sulfur transformation processes superimposing BSR and competing with the actual biodegradation reactions. Most important of those processes is the reoxidation of reduced sulfur species consuming electron acceptors that would be relevant for contaminant oxidation. Furthermore,the detailed, flow path related analysis of the sulfate isotope distribution pattern revealed that BSR and consequen! tly biodegradation is predominately occurring in hot spots. It also showed the occurrence of sharp hydrochemical gradients that change the natural attenuation potential of the aquifer over a very short distance. Generally, this hydrochemical heterogeneity limits the applicability of isotope investigation for quantifying bacterial sulfate reduction. Nevertheless, the identification of sulfate reducing hot spots and hydrochemical gradients as well as the recognition of geochemical processes competing for electron acceptors are essential to understand natural attenuation of contaminants in aquifers.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=1115
Knöller, K., Vogt, C., Feisthauer, S., Weise, S.M., Weiß, H., Richnow, H.H. (2008):
Sulfur cycling and biodegradation in contaminated aquifers: insights from stable isotope investigations
Environ. Sci. Technol. 42 (21), 7807 - 7812 10.1021/es800331p