Recovery and Microbial Remediation of Organic Wood Preservatives in Groundwater at a Former Wood Treating Plant

Abstract

Abstract Well‐recovery networks coupled to immobilized microbe bioreactors (IMBRs) were installed at a 172‐acre former wood preserving facility for the bioremediation of organic wood preservatives present in site groundwater. Free‐phase creosote from the hardpan and soluble preservative fractions contained in subsurface groundwater were pumped separately to different holding tanks. Trace creosote fractions contained in the subsurface groundwater were further gravity separated in the holding tank. Immobilized microbial isolates evaluated in earlier laboratory and field pilot tests were established into two 40, 000‐liter bioreactors for the biodegradation of all targeted consitituents. Microbial growth, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, flow rate, and temperature were monitored in this in situ/ex situ bioremediation system. The process was used to remove the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and phenolic components of creosote and pentachlorophenol from contaminated groundwater. Data generated during the past 2 1/2 years indicate that 26 target compounds consistently are reduced to levels acceptable for discharge. Currently operating in Baldwin, Florida, this full‐scale prototype is remediating the former wood preserving facility and is being used as a model system for the design and construction of new bioreactor systems needed at similar industrial sites in the United States and abroad.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/rem.3440080409

Journal

Remediation Journal

Year

1998