• Title/Summary/Keyword: microbial contaminant

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Biodegradation of JP-8 in soil column by Rhodococcus fascians isolated from petroleum contaminated soil (유류 오염 토양에서 분리된 Rhodococcus fascians 를 이용한 토양 column에서의 JP-8의 분해)

  • Park, Bong-Je;Noh, Yong-Ho;Yun, Hyun-Shik
    • KSBB Journal
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    • v.23 no.6
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    • pp.479-483
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    • 2008
  • The environmental contamination by organic pollutants is a widespread problem. The most widely distributed pollution can be attributed to oil contamination. Bioremediation, the use of microorganism or microbial processes to degrade environmental contaminant, is one of the new technologies. The objective of the present study is to study the degradation of JP-8 in soil by microorganism. The degradation of JP-8 was analysed by TPH using gas chromatography. Rhodococcus fascians isolated from the petroleum contaminated site was applied for the degradation of JP-8 in the soil column system. Air flow rate of 30 ml/min was sufficient to degrade JP-8 in the soil column as much as 70% of JP-8 in the soil column. The addition of nitrogen source resulted in the increase in JP-8 degradability to 75% of JP-8 and the C:N ratio for JP-8 degradation was 100:10.

The influence of anthropogenic disturbances and watershed morphological characteristics on Hg dynamics in Northern Quebec large boreal lakes

  • Moingt, M.;Lucotte, M.;Paquet, S.;Beaulne, J.S.
    • Advances in environmental research
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    • v.2 no.2
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    • pp.81-98
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    • 2013
  • Mercury (Hg) dynamics in the boreal environment have been a subject of concern in recent decades, due to the exposure of local populations to the contaminant. Land use, because of its impact on mercury inputs, has been highlighted as a key player in the sources and eventual concentrations of the heavy metal. In order to evaluate the impact of watershed disturbances on Hg dynamics in frequently fished, large boreal lakes, we studied sediment cores retrieved at the focal point of eight large lakes of Qu$\acute{e}$bec (Canada), six with watersheds affected by land uses such as logging and/or mining, and two with pristine watersheds, considered as reference lakes. Using a Geographical Information System (GIS), we correlated the recent evolution of land uses (e.g., logging and mining activities) and morphological characteristics of the watershed (e.g., mean slope of the drainage area, vegetation cover) to total Hg concentrations (THg) in sedimentary records. In each core, THg gradually increased over recent years with maximum values between 70 and 370 ng/g, the lowest mercury concentrations corresponding to the pristine lake cores. The Hg Anthropogenic Sedimentary Enrichment Factor (ASEF) values range from 2 to 15. Surprisingly, we noticed that the presence of intense land uses in the watershed does not necessarily correspond to noticeable increases of THg in lake sediments, beyond the normal increment that can be attributed to Hg atmospheric deposition since the beginning of the industrial era. Rather, the terrestrial Hg inputs of boreal lakes appear to be influenced by watershed characteristics such as mean slopes and vegetation cover.

Assessment of Monitored Natural Attenuation as Remediation Approach for a BTEX Contaminated Site in Uiwang City (의왕시내 BTEX 오염 부지에서의 자연 정화법 이용 적합성 고찰)

  • 이민효;윤정기;박종환;이문순;강진규;이석영
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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    • 1999.04a
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    • pp.149-156
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    • 1999
  • In the United States (U.S.), the monitored natural attenuation (MNA) approach has been used as an alternative remedial option for organic and inorganic compounds retained in soil and dissolved in groundwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines the MNA as“in-situ naturally-occurring processes include biodegradation, diffusion, dilution, sorption, volatilization, and/or chemical and biochemical stabilization of contaminants and reduce contaminant toxicity, mobility or volume to the levels that are protective of human health and the environment”. The Department of Soil Environment. National Institute Environmental Research (NIER) is in the process for demonstrating the MNA approach as a potential remedial option for the BTEX contaminated site in Uiwang City. The project is charactering the research site in terms of the nature and extend of contamination, biological degradation rate, and geochemical and hydrological properties. The microbial-degradation rate and effectiveness of nutrient and redox supplements will be determined through laboratory batch and column tests. The geochemical process will be monitored for determining the concentration changes of chemical species involved in the electron transfer processes that include methanogenesis, sulfate and iron reduction, denitrification, and aerobic respiration. Through field works, critical soil and hydrogeologic parameters will be acquired to simulate the effects of dispersion, advection, sorption, and biodegradation on the fate and transport of the dissolved-phase BTEX plume using Bioplume III model. The objectives of this multi-years research project are (1) to evaluate the MNA approach using the BTEX contaminated site in Uiwang City, (2) to establish a standard protocol for future application of the approach, (3) to investigate applicability of the passive approach as a secondary treatment remedy after active treatments. In this presentation, the overall picture and philosophy behind the MNA approach will be reviewed. Detailed discussions of the site characterization/monitoring plans and risk-based decision-making processes for the demonstration site will be included.

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Enhancing the Intrinsic Bioremediation of PAH-Contaminated Anoxic Estuarine Sediments with Biostimulating Agents

  • Bach Quang-Dung;Kim Sang-Jin;Choi Sung-Chan;Oh Young-Sook
    • Journal of Microbiology
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    • v.43 no.4
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    • pp.319-324
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    • 2005
  • Estuarine sediments are frequently polluted with hydrocarbons from fuel spills and industrial wastes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are components of these contaminants that tend to accumulate in the sediment due to their low aqueous solubility, low volatility, and high affinity for particulate matter. The toxic, recalcitrant, mutagenic, and carcinogenic nature of these compounds may require aggressive treatment to remediate polluted sites effectively. In petroleum-contaminated sediments near a petrochemical industry in Gwangyang Bay, Korea, in situ PAH concentrations ranged from 10 to 2,900 ${\mu}g/kg$ dry sediment. To enhance the biodegradation rate of PAHs under anaerobic conditions, sediment samples were amended with biostimulating agents alone or in combination: nitrogen and phosphorus in the form of slow-release fertilizer (SRF), lactate, yeast extract (YE), and Tween 80. When added to the sediment individually, all tested agents enhanced the degradation of PAHs, including naphthalene, acenaphthene, anthracene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo [a] pyrene. Moreover, the combination of SRF, Tween 80, and lactate increased the PAH degradation rate 1.2-8.2 times above that of untreated sediment (0.01-10 ${\mu}g$ PAH/ kg dry sediment/day). Our results indicated that in situ contaminant PAHs in anoxic sediment, including high molecular weight PAHs, were degraded biologically and that the addition of stimulators increased the biodegradation potential of the intrinsic microbial populations. Our results will contribute to the development of new strategies for in situ treatment of PAH-contaminated anoxic sediments.

Review of Analytical and Assessment Techniques of Terminal Electron Accepting Processes (TEAPs) for Site Characterization and Natural Attenuation in Contaminated Subsurface Environments (오염 지중환경 특성화와 자연저감평가를 위한 말단전자수용과정(TEAPs) 분석 및 평가기술 소개)

  • Song, Yun Sun;Kim, Han-Suk;Kwon, Man Jae
    • Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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    • v.25 no.2_spc
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    • pp.1-15
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    • 2020
  • Monitoring and assessing terminal electron accepting processes (TEAPs) are one of the most important steps to remediate contaminated sites via various in-situ techniques. TEAPs are a part of the microbial respiration reactions. Microorganisms gain energy from these reactions and reduces pollutants. Monitoring TEAPs enables us to predict degradability of contaminants and degradation rates. In many countries, TEAPs have been used for characterization of field sites and management of groundwater wells. For instance, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided strategies for groundwater quality and well management by applying TEAPs monitoring. Denmark has also constructed TEAPs map of local unit area to develop effective groundwater managing system, particularly to predict and assess nitrogen contamination. In case of Korea, although detailed soil survey and groundwater contamination assessment have been employed, site investigation guidelines using TEAPs have not been established yet. To better define TEAPs in subsurface environments, multiple indicators including ion concentrations, isotope compositions and contaminant degradation byproducts must be assessed. Furthermore, dissolved hydrogen concentrations are regarded as significant evidence of TEAPs occurring in subsurface environment. This review study introduces optimal sampling techniques of groundwater and dissolved hydrogen, and further discuss how to assess TEAPs in contaminated subsurface environments according to several contamination scenarios.

Autotrophic Perchlorate-Removal Using Elemental Sulfur Granules and Activated Sludge: Batch Test (원소 황 입자와 활성 슬러지를 이용한 독립영양방식의 퍼클로레이트 제거: 회분배양연구)

  • Han, Kyoung-Rim;Kang, Tae-Ho;Kang, Hyung-Chang;Kim, Kyung-Hun;Seo, Deuk-Hwa;Ahn, Yeong-Hee
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.21 no.10
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    • pp.1473-1480
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    • 2011
  • Perchlorate ($ClO_4^-$) is a contaminant found in surface water and soil/ground water. Microbial removal of perchlorate is the method of choice since microorganisms can reduce perchlorate into harmless end-products. Such microorganisms require an electron donor to reduce perchlorate. Conventional perchlorate-removal techniques employ heterotrophic perchlorate-reducing bacteria that use organic compounds as electron donors to reduce perchlorate. Since continuous removal of perchlorate requires a continuous supply of organic compounds, heterotrophic perchlorate removal is an expensive process. Feasibility of autotrophic perchlorate-removal using elemental sulfur granules and activated sludge was examined in this study. Granular sulfur is relatively inexpensive and activated sludge is easily available from wastewater treatment plants. Batch tests showed that activated sludge microorganisms could successfully degrade perchlorate in the presence of granular sulfur as an electron donor. Perchlorate biodegradation was confirmed by molar yield of $Cl^-$ as the perchlorate was degraded. Scanning electron microscope revealed that rod-shaped microorganisms on the surface of sulfur particles were used for the autotrophic perchlorate-removal, suggesting that sulfur particles could serve as supporting media for the formation of biofilm as well. DGGE analyses revealed that microbial profile of the inoculum (activated sludge) was different from that of the biofilm sample obtained from enrichment culture that used sulfur particles for $ClO_4^-$-degradation.

Removal of Nitrate in River Water by Microorganisms in Saturated-Zone Soil: Laboratory-Scale Column Test (포화층 토양미생물에 의한 하천수의 nitrate 제거: 실험실규모 컬럼 실험)

  • Park, Jungyong;Ahn, Yeonghee
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.24 no.5
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    • pp.543-548
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    • 2014
  • Aquifer recharge and recovery is a technology used to ensure a stable supply of clean water. During the process, river water is injected into a soil aquifer and stored. The stored water is then recovered and used to produce drinking water. It is important to understand quality improvement of the injected water while it is stored in the aquifer. In the present study, a lab-scale column reactor containing saturated-zone soil was employed to mimic an aquifer. The reactor was used to investigate microbial removal of nitrate that is a major inorganic contaminant detected in the Nakdong River. The reactor was introduced with river water that contained nitrate at concentrations (5.07, 6.81, 8.27, and 11.07 mg $NO_3{^-}/l$) detected downstream of the Nakdong River in the past 2 years. The nitrate concentrations decreased during the introduced water is retained in the reactor. Effluent from the reactor contained 1.49 mg $NO_3{^-}/l$ or less and had an average pH of 7.98 regardless of the nitrate concentrations of the influent. However abiotic control reactor showed similar nitrate-concentrations in its influent and effluent. Considering the result of abiotic control, the decreased nitrate concentration observed in the test column suggested that microorganisms in saturated-zone soil removed nitrate in the river water introduced into the reactor. Results of this study will be used to better understand microbial improvement of water quality in aquifer recharge and recovery technology.

Field Studios of In-situ Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

  • Semprini, Lewts
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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    • 2004.04a
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    • pp.3-4
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    • 2004
  • Results will be presented from two field studies that evaluated the in-situ treatment of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) using aerobic cometabolism. In the first study, a cometabolic air sparging (CAS) demonstration was conducted at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB), California, to treat chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in groundwater using propane as the cometabolic substrate. A propane-biostimulated zone was sparged with a propane/air mixture and a control zone was sparged with air alone. Propane-utilizers were effectively stimulated in the saturated zone with repeated intermediate sparging of propane and air. Propane delivery, however, was not uniform, with propane mainly observed in down-gradient observation wells. Trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1, 2-dichloroethene (c-DCE), and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration levels decreased in proportion with propane usage, with c-DCE decreasing more rapidly than TCE. The more rapid removal of c-DCE indicated biotransformation and not just physical removal by stripping. Propane utilization rates and rates of CAH removal slowed after three to four months of repeated propane additions, which coincided with tile depletion of nitrogen (as nitrate). Ammonia was then added to the propane/air mixture as a nitrogen source. After a six-month period between propane additions, rapid propane-utilization was observed. Nitrate was present due to groundwater flow into the treatment zone and/or by the oxidation of tile previously injected ammonia. In the propane-stimulated zone, c-DCE concentrations decreased below tile detection limit (1 $\mu$g/L), and TCE concentrations ranged from less than 5 $\mu$g/L to 30 $\mu$g/L, representing removals of 90 to 97%. In the air sparged control zone, TCE was removed at only two monitoring locations nearest the sparge-well, to concentrations of 15 $\mu$g/L and 60 $\mu$g/L. The responses indicate that stripping as well as biological treatment were responsible for the removal of contaminants in the biostimulated zone, with biostimulation enhancing removals to lower contaminant levels. As part of that study bacterial population shifts that occurred in the groundwater during CAS and air sparging control were evaluated by length heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR) fragment analysis. The results showed that an organism(5) that had a fragment size of 385 base pairs (385 bp) was positively correlated with propane removal rates. The 385 bp fragment consisted of up to 83% of the total fragments in the analysis when propane removal rates peaked. A 16S rRNA clone library made from the bacteria sampled in propane sparged groundwater included clones of a TM7 division bacterium that had a 385bp LH-PCR fragment; no other bacterial species with this fragment size were detected. Both propane removal rates and the 385bp LH-PCR fragment decreased as nitrate levels in the groundwater decreased. In the second study the potential for bioaugmentation of a butane culture was evaluated in a series of field tests conducted at the Moffett Field Air Station in California. A butane-utilizing mixed culture that was effective in transforming 1, 1-dichloroethene (1, 1-DCE), 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane (1, 1, 1-TCA), and 1, 1-dichloroethane (1, 1-DCA) was added to the saturated zone at the test site. This mixture of contaminants was evaluated since they are often present as together as the result of 1, 1, 1-TCA contamination and the abiotic and biotic transformation of 1, 1, 1-TCA to 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1-DCA. Model simulations were performed prior to the initiation of the field study. The simulations were performed with a transport code that included processes for in-situ cometabolism, including microbial growth and decay, substrate and oxygen utilization, and the cometabolism of dual contaminants (1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA). Based on the results of detailed kinetic studies with the culture, cometabolic transformation kinetics were incorporated that butane mixed-inhibition on 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA transformation, and competitive inhibition of 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA on butane utilization. A transformation capacity term was also included in the model formation that results in cell loss due to contaminant transformation. Parameters for the model simulations were determined independently in kinetic studies with the butane-utilizing culture and through batch microcosm tests with groundwater and aquifer solids from the field test zone with the butane-utilizing culture added. In microcosm tests, the model simulated well the repetitive utilization of butane and cometabolism of 1.1, 1-TCA and 1, 1-DCE, as well as the transformation of 1, 1-DCE as it was repeatedly transformed at increased aqueous concentrations. Model simulations were then performed under the transport conditions of the field test to explore the effects of the bioaugmentation dose and the response of the system to tile biostimulation with alternating pulses of dissolved butane and oxygen in the presence of 1, 1-DCE (50 $\mu$g/L) and 1, 1, 1-TCA (250 $\mu$g/L). A uniform aquifer bioaugmentation dose of 0.5 mg/L of cells resulted in complete utilization of the butane 2-meters downgradient of the injection well within 200-hrs of bioaugmentation and butane addition. 1, 1-DCE was much more rapidly transformed than 1, 1, 1-TCA, and efficient 1, 1, 1-TCA removal occurred only after 1, 1-DCE and butane were decreased in concentration. The simulations demonstrated the strong inhibition of both 1, 1-DCE and butane on 1, 1, 1-TCA transformation, and the more rapid 1, 1-DCE transformation kinetics. Results of tile field demonstration indicated that bioaugmentation was successfully implemented; however it was difficult to maintain effective treatment for long periods of time (50 days or more). The demonstration showed that the bioaugmented experimental leg effectively transformed 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1-DCA, and was somewhat effective in transforming 1, 1, 1-TCA. The indigenous experimental leg treated in the same way as the bioaugmented leg was much less effective in treating the contaminant mixture. The best operating performance was achieved in the bioaugmented leg with about over 90%, 80%, 60 % removal for 1, 1-DCE, 1, 1-DCA, and 1, 1, 1-TCA, respectively. Molecular methods were used to track and enumerate the bioaugmented culture in the test zone. Real Time PCR analysis was used to on enumerate the bioaugmented culture. The results show higher numbers of the bioaugmented microorganisms were present in the treatment zone groundwater when the contaminants were being effective transformed. A decrease in these numbers was associated with a reduction in treatment performance. The results of the field tests indicated that although bioaugmentation can be successfully implemented, competition for the growth substrate (butane) by the indigenous microorganisms likely lead to the decrease in long-term performance.

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Viability of Probiotics in Feed under High Temperature Conditions and Their Growth Inhibitory Effect on Contaminant Microbes (고온 조건에서 사료 내 생균제의 생존성 및 오염미생물의 생장 억제 효과)

  • Kim, Gyeom-Heon;Yi, Kwon-Jung;Lee, Ah-Ran;Jang, In-Hwan;Song, In-Geun;Kim, Dong-Woon;Kim, Soo-Ki
    • Korean Journal of Microbiology
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    • v.50 no.4
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    • pp.345-350
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    • 2014
  • The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high temperature on the viability of probiotic organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mixed with animal feed under controlled conditions by simulating a farm feed bin in the summer. Following inoculation of probiotics into the feed, the pH and probiotic viability were monitored during an 8-day incubation at room temperature. Sterile and non-sterile feeds displayed different patterns of pH changes, with increased pH in non-sterile feed at 2 days, but a pattern of decreasing pH at 4 days. The viabilities of S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis after mono/co-inoculation were maintained without substantial changes during the incubation, whereas L. plantarum viability tended to decline. In both non-sterile and sterile feeds, the probiotics were maintained or grew without any antagonistic effects. Probiotic viability was also tested upon a shift to high temperature ($60^{\circ}C$). There was no distinct change in pH between sterile and non-sterile feeds after the temperature shift. L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae could not survive at the high temperature, whereas B. subtilis displayed normal growth, and it inhibited the growth of contaminant microbes. Fungal growth was not observed in non-sterile feed 2 days after supplementation with B. subtilis. Therefore, heat resistant B. subtilis could be safely used in feed bins to inhibit microbial contamination, even at high temperatures. The prevention of elevated temperature in feed bins is necessary for the utilization of L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae during the summer season.

Antimicrobial Activities of Medicinal Herbs and Seaweeds Extracts Against Microorganisms Isolated from the Rice Warehouses (미곡창고 오염균주에 대한 천연추출물의 항균활성)

  • Lee, So-Young;Kim, Jin-Hee;Kim, Koth-Bong-Woo-Ri;Song, Eu-Jin;Kim, Ah-Ram;Park, Sun-Mee;Han, Chung-Soo;Ahn, Dong-Hyun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.476-480
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    • 2007
  • In order to prevent the quality deterioration of rice from microbial infection, we investigated antimicrobial activities of Morun albalinne, Glycyorrhiza uralensis, Sargassum siliquastrum, and Ecklonin cava against isolated microorganisms from the paddy and warehouses. The major types of the bacteria grown in the paddy and rice warehouses were Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Arthrobacter atrocyaneus, and Bacillus spp. such as Bacillus cereus Additionally Deuteromycetes, Aspergillus spp. and Penicillum spp. were considered as major contaminant microorganisms in the paddy and rice warehouses. As results of the paper disc assay against the isolated microorganisms, the ethanol extracts with Morun albalinne, Glycyorrhiza uralensis, Sargassum siliquastrum, and Ecklonia cava showed effective antimicrobial activities. Especially, Morun albalinne showed the strongest growth inhibition on the isolated bacteria at $0.0025{\sim}0.0075%$.