Author: Robert E. Hinchee

Publisher:

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13:

Soil and groundwater contamination stemming from the release of various chlorinated compounds into the environment is a significant and difficult site remediation challenge. The articles in this collection discuss the use of aerobic and anaerobic biological degradation to dehalogenate sites contaminated with pesticides and chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, tetrachloromethene, perchloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, pentachlorophenol, and chlorinated benzene. Bench- and field-scale studies of the biological processes associated with in situ dechlorination of soil and aquifers are described. Discussed are the uses of microcosm studies and numerical simulation of dechlorination to manage system operation. Site characteristics (e.g., hydraulic properties, temperature, nitrogen availability) and their effect on the stability of the methanotrophic community are examined. Methods discussed include the use of air venting, alternative electron donors, biofilm reactors, surfactants, municipal digester sludge, iron enhancement, and sulfate reduction to improve conditions for the microbial consortia that effect dechlorination.