The preliminary batch study for evaluating biobarrier application on sequential degradation of TCE products

A new approach for groundwater treatment combines a permeable Fe(0) barrier to breakdown higher chlorinated solvents like PCE and TCE with a downgradient aerobic biological treatment system to biotransform less chlorinated solvents, such as DCE and vinyl chloride (VC). The expected bacterial performance downgradient of an Fe(0) barrier was evaluated through laboratory batch experiments with a toluene-degrading mixed culture that cometabolically transforms cis-1,2-DCE and VC. The amount of cis-1,2-DCE (initially at 2,000 ppb) and VC (initially at 2,000 ppb) transformed was controlled by the initial toluene (20,000 ppb) concentration. VC was removed much more effectively than Cis-1,2-DCE, and a higher toluene concentration in comparison to the co-substrate concentrations was needed for complete co-substrate removal. Overall, the coupling of an Fe(0) barrier and subsequent biodegradation appears feasible for remediation of complex mixtures of chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater