A study was undertaken to determine the success for aerobic bioremediation of aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) and MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) in high temperature, saline groundwater conditions. The study included laboratory microcosm experiments, as well as a field trial in Saudi Arabia, in which Solinst Waterloo Emitters<\/a> were used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To view the full paper published about this study, please visit the Wiley Online Library<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 703 Waterloo Emitter™ is a simple, low cost device for the controlled release of oxygen or other amendments to encourage and sustain the growth of microorganisms, required for in-situ bioremediation of contaminated groundwater. Ideal for the diffusion of oxygen to enhance the bioremediation of BTEX and MTBE. Available to fit 2″, 4″ and 6″ (50, 100 and 150 mm) wells and boreholes, the Emitters are easy to install and remove. They do not require constant monitoring and attention, or electricity.
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The laboratory experiments compared sediment and groundwater samples from two different aquifers, which were spiked with hydrocarbons and incubated for 106 days. One sample was from an aquifer in Canada (low temperature, low salinity), the other from a saline coastal aquifer located in a hydrocarbon distribution facility in Saudi Arabia (groundwater temperatures >30\u00baC). Oxygen was periodically added to each microcosm to sustain aerobic conditions, and temperatures were maintained to simulate field conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After incubation, the Canadian microcosm displayed no significant biodegradation of hydrocarbons or MTBE. The Saudi Arabian microcosm showed that the hydrocarbons had almost completely degraded, but no significant change in MTBE concentrations. Further analysis revealed that the Canadian microcosm had diverse microorganisms, but no change in numbers during the experiment. The Saudi Arabian microcosm had many hydrocarbon degrading bacteria, which increased during the experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the laboratory tests, a seven-month field trial was undertaken at the Saudi Arabian field site. The field study aimed to test the effectiveness of enhanced<\/em> in situ aerobic bioremediation in the high temperature, high salinity aquifer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aquifer contains a plume of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes), MTBE and other aromatic hydrocarbons. It is unconfined, consisting of sand and some silt, with the water table at approximately 6.5 m. The temperature of the aquifer varied from 30 \u2013 37.4\u00baC during the study period, with an electrical conductivity of 6.1 mS\/cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To stimulate the aerobic conditions, Solinst Waterloo Emitters were selected to diffuse dissolved oxygen into the groundwater surrounding the plume. Waterloo Emitters were selected because of their low maintenance and operational costs, which is ideal for the hot, dry, dusty desert conditions. Waterloo Emitters require few components to operate (or replace), which is also ideal for the location.<\/p>\n\n\n

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