Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1080/1025601031000108688
Title (Primary) In-situ biodegradation of tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene in contaminated aquifers monitored by stable isotope fractionation
Author Vieth, A.; Müller, J.; Strauch, G.; Kästner, M.; Gehre, M.; Meckenstock, R.U.; Richnow, H.H.
Source Titel Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies
Year 2003
Department ISOBIO; UBT; HDG; SAN
Volume 39
Issue 2
Page From 113
Page To 124
Language englisch
Keywords carbon isotopes; tetrachloroethene; trichloroethene; isotope fractionation; groundwater
Abstract

Stable carbon isotope analysis of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) was applied to evaluate natural attenuation processes in the upper Quaternary and lower Tertiary aquifer in the area of a former dry-cleaning plant located in Leipzig, Germany. Groundwater samples were taken during one monitoring campaign in 2001. The 13C enrichment in contaminants along the water flow path suggested that both, PCE and TCE were degraded in the Quaternary aquifer. The enrichment of 13C in the residual PCE fraction and an isotope fractionation factor from laboratory experiments were used to calculate the extent of biodegradation in the Quaternary aquifer. These calculations indicated that a major portion of PCE was biodegraded in the course of the plume. In the Tertiary aquifer the carbon isotope ratios of PCE and TCE indicated that the decreasing concentrations of these contaminants were probably not caused by microbial processes.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=5266
Vieth, A., Müller, J., Strauch, G., Kästner, M., Gehre, M., Meckenstock, R.U., Richnow, H.H. (2003):
In-situ biodegradation of tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene in contaminated aquifers monitored by stable isotope fractionation
Isot. Environ. Health Stud. 39 (2), 113 - 124 10.1080/1025601031000108688