Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1021/es030075d
Title (Primary) Bioremediation process for sediments contaminated by heavy metals: feasibility study on a pilot scale
Author Seidel, H.; Löser, C.; Zehnsdorf, A.; Hoffmann, P.; Schmerold, R.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Technology
Year 2004
Department UBT; UBZ
Volume 38
Issue 5
Page From 1582
Page To 1588
Language englisch
Abstract The core stages of a sediment remediation processthe conditioning of dredged sludge by plants and the solid-bed leaching of heavy metals using microbially produced sulfuric acidwere tested on a pilot scale using a highly polluted river sediment. Conditioning was performed in 50 m3 basins at sludge depths of 1.8 m. During one vegetation period the anoxic sludge turned into a soil-like oxic material and became very permeable to water. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) was found to be best suited for conditioning. Bioleaching was carried out in an aerated solid-bed reactor of 2000 L working volume using oxic soil-like sediment supplemented with 2% sulfur. When applying conditioned sediment, the oxidation of easily degradable organic matter by heterotrophic microbes increased the temperature up to 50°C in the early leaching phase, which in turn temporarily inhibited the sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Nevertheless, most of the metal contaminants were leached within 21 days. Zn, Cd, Mn, Co, and Ni were removed by 61−81%, Cu was reduced by 21%, while Cr and Pb were nearly immobile. A cost-effectiveness assessment of the remediation process indicates it to be a suitable treatment for restoring polluted sediments for beneficial use.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=4546
Seidel, H., Löser, C., Zehnsdorf, A., Hoffmann, P., Schmerold, R. (2004):
Bioremediation process for sediments contaminated by heavy metals: feasibility study on a pilot scale
Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (5), 1582 - 1588 10.1021/es030075d