Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2012.03.001
Title (Primary) Characterization of the relationship between microbial degradation processes at a hydrocarbon contaminated site using isotopic methods
Author Feisthauer, S.; Seidel, M.; Bombach, P.; Traube, S.; Knöller, K.; Wange, M.; Fachmann, S.; Richnow, H.H.
Source Titel Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Year 2012
Department ISOBIO; CATHYD
Volume 133
Page From 17
Page To 29
Language englisch
Keywords isotope fractionation; electron transfer; BTEX; methanogenesis; sulfate reduction; crude oil contaminated aquifer
Abstract

Decisions to employ monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remediation strategy at contaminated field sites require a comprehensive characterization of the site-specific biodegradation processes. In the present study, compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis (CSIA) was used to investigate intrinsic biodegradation of benzene and ethylbenzene in an aquifer with high levels of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon contamination. Hydrochemical data and isotope fractionation analysis of sulfate and methane was used complementarily to elucidate microbial degradation processes over the course of a three year period, consisting of six sampling campaigns, in the industrial area of Weißandt-Gölzau (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany).

Enrichment of 13C and 2H isotopes in the residual benzene and ethylbenzene pool downgradient from the pollution sources provided evidence of biodegradation of BTEX compounds at this site, targeting both compounds as the key contaminants of concern. The enrichment of heavy sulfur isotopes accompanied by decreasing sulfate concentrations and the accumulation of isotopically light methane suggested that sulfate-reducing and methanogenic processes are the major contributors to overall biodegradation in this aquifer. Along the contaminant plume, the oxidation of methane with δ13CCH4 values of up to + 17.5‰ was detected. This demonstrates that methane formed in the contaminant source can be transported along groundwater flow paths and be oxidized in areas with higher redox potentials, thereby competing directly with the pollutants for electron acceptors. Hydrochemical and isotope data was summarized in a conceptual model to assess whether MNA can be used as viable remediation strategy in Weißandt-Gölzau. The presented results demonstrate the benefits of combining different isotopic methods and hydrochemical approaches to evaluate the fate of organic pollutants in contaminated aquifers.


Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=12417
Feisthauer, S., Seidel, M., Bombach, P., Traube, S., Knöller, K., Wange, M., Fachmann, S., Richnow, H.H. (2012):
Characterization of the relationship between microbial degradation processes at a hydrocarbon contaminated site using isotopic methods
J. Contam. Hydrol. 133 , 17 - 29 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2012.03.001