Project Summary (1995-2000)

The degree to which microorganisms can be locally stimulated to initiate co-metabolic destruction of organic pollutants including trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and a variety of others is being investigated in this project by managing the addition of methane, ammonia and oxygen resembling bioventing. Bioventing is a popular bioremediation approach in which molecular oxygen is supplied to unsaturated sediments. Volatile or semivolatile contaminants are then destroyed during transport with the gas phase. Since the gas nutrients can be conveniently and inexpensively added to soil unsaturated subsurface (vadose) regions, the strategy may augment the general utility of bioventing as a remediation strategy. This research may offer keys to the application of bioventing principles and technology for the remediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons. The efficient destruction of alkyl halides in the vadose zone will minimize the potential for human exposure and associated risks these pollutants present.