Detailed analysis of petroleum hydrocarbon attenuation in biopiles by high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.
Enhanced bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in two biopiles was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCXGC). The attenuation of 34 defined hydrocarbon classes was calculated by HPLC-GCXGC analysis of representative biopile samples at start-up and after 18 weeks of biopile operation. In general, a-cyclic alkanes were most efficiently removed from the biopiles, followed by monoaromatic hydrocarbons. Cycloalkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were more resistant to degradation. A-cyclic biomarkers farnesane, trimethyl-C13, norpristane, pristane and phytane dropped to only about 10% of their initial concentrations. On the other hand, C29-C31 hopane concentrations remained almost unaltered after 18 weeks of biopile operation, confirming their resistance to biodegradation. They are thus reliable indicators to estimate attenuation potential of petroleum hydrocarbons in biopile processed soils.
Mao
Debin
D
Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
Lookman
Richard
R
Van De Weghe
Hendrik
H
Van Look
Dirk
D
Vanermen
Guido
G
De Brucker
Nicole
N
Diels
Ludo
L
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000379:methods*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*
D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum; D012989:Soil Pollutants