Phytoremediation of MTBE from a groundwater plume.
The feasibility of phytoremediation to both remediate and hydraulically contain a methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-contaminated groundwater plume was investigated in a three-phase study that included the following elements: (i) a laboratory bioreactor study that examined the fate and transport of 14C-radiolabeled MTBE in hybrid poplar trees, (ii) a novel approach for a mathematical modeling study that investigated the influence of deep-rooted trees on unsaturated and saturated groundwater flow, and (iii) a field study at a Houston site with MTBE-contaminated groundwater where hybrid poplar trees were planted. In the laboratory study, the predominant fate pathway was uptake and evapotranspiration of [14C]-MTBE from leaves and stems of poplar cuttings rooted in hydroponic solution. The modeling study demonstrates that phytohydraulic containment of MTBE in groundwater by deep-rooted trees can be achieved. The field study demonstrated significant groundwater uptake of groundwater by deep-rooted trees via direct measurement in the first three seasons. The use of vegetation may provide a cost-effective in-situ alternative for containment and remediation of MTBE-contaminated groundwater plumes.
Hong
M S
MS
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Farmayan
W F
WF
Dortch
I J
IJ
Chiang
C Y
CY
McMillan
S K
SK
Schnoor
J L
JL
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000378:metabolism*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000502:physiology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000502:physiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D014197:Trees; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002273:Carcinogens; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether