Attenuation reactions in a multiple contaminated aquifer in Bitterfeld (Germany).
Large-scale contaminated sites with multiple contaminants in the groundwater present a challenge to risk assessment and remediation. Attenuation reactions take place in the subsurface and act to contain contaminants, but must be thoroughly investigated on a site-specific basis. Field data from monitoring wells at a contaminated industrial site in Bitterfeld, Germany, are presented and analyzed for evidence of the prevalent biodegradation reactions. The groundwater in the Tertiary aquifer is contaminated with large quantities of chlorinated aliphatic compounds, in addition to chlorobenzenes and BTEX. In this strictly anaerobic environment, geochemical indications for several microbial processes were found, including methanogenesis, sulfate and iron reduction as well as reductive dechlorination of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. Direct evidence for the latter degradation reaction was observed along the flowpath due to the appearance of intermediates and an increase in the degree of dechlorination.
Department of Groundwater Remediation, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Permoserstr 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany. susanne.heidrich@ufz.de
Susanne
S
Heidrich
Holger
H
Weiss
Arno
A
Kaschl
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D005858:Germany; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000737:chemistry*; D007220:Industrial Waste; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007220:Industrial Waste