Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103684
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) Dynamics of hydrocarbon mineralization characterized by isotopic analysis at a jet-fuel-contaminated site in subtropical climate
Author Teramoto, E.H.; Vogt, C.; Martins Baessa, M.P.; Polese, L.; Soriano, A.U.; Chang, H.K.; Richnow, H.H.
Source Titel Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Year 2020
Department ISOBIO
Volume 234
Page From art. 103684
Language englisch
Keywords BTEX mineralization; Methanogenesis; Isotopic analysis; CSIA; Interphase mass transfer
Abstract Release of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) as components of the light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) contaminates soil and groundwater. Assessing the mechanisms of degradation and mineralization of BTEX in groundwater helps understand the migration of the dissolved plume, enabling the reduction of risks to humans. Here, we studied the fate of ethylbezene, m,p-xylenes and o-xylenes and the accompanying formation of methane in a Cenozoic lateritic aquifer in Brazil by compound-specific carbon stable isotope analysis (CSIA), to gain insights into the complex dynamics of release and biodegradation of BTEX in the LNAPL source zone. The enrichment of 13C in aromatic compounds dissolved in groundwater compared to the corresponding compounds in LNAPL indicate that CSIA can provide valuable information regarding biodegradation. The isotopic analysis of methane provides direct indication of oxidation mediated by aquifer oxygenation. The 13C-CO2 values indicate methanogenesis prevailing at the border and aerobic biodegradation in the center of the LNAPL source zone. Importantly, the isotopic results allowed major improvements in the previously developed conceptual model, supporting the existence of oxic and anoxic environments within the LNAPL source zone.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=23502
Teramoto, E.H., Vogt, C., Martins Baessa, M.P., Polese, L., Soriano, A.U., Chang, H.K., Richnow, H.H. (2020):
Dynamics of hydrocarbon mineralization characterized by isotopic analysis at a jet-fuel-contaminated site in subtropical climate
J. Contam. Hydrol. 234 , art. 103684 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103684