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Estimating In Situ Biodegradation Rates of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Microbial Population Dynamics by Performing Single-Well Push–Pull Tests in a Fractured Bedrock Aquifer

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Abstract

The single-well push–pull test (SWPPT) was adapted to quantify in situ aerobic respiration and denitrification rates and to assess microbial population dynamics in a petroleum-contaminated fractured bedrock aquifer. Among three test wells, significant dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption was observed only in one well, with average zero- and first-order rate coefficients of 0.32 ± 0.63 and 7.07 ± 13.85 mmol L−1 day−1, respectively. Of the four test wells, significant NO3 − consumption was noted in three wells. The average zero- and first-order rate coefficients were 2.87 ± 2.21 and 11.83 ± 7.99 mmol L−1 day−1, respectively. These results indicate that NO3 − was more effectively consumed within this fractured bedrock aquifer. Significant DO or NO3 − (electron acceptors (EAs)) consumption, the limited contribution of Fe(II) to overall EAs consumption, the production of dissolved CO2 during aerobic respiration and denitrification tests, and N2O production strongly suggest that the EAs consumption was largely due to microbial activity. Detection of Variovorax paradox, benzene-degrading culture, and 28 novel microbial species after the addition of O2 or NO3 − suggests that EA injection into a fractured rock aquifer may stimulate aerobic or denitrifying petroleum-degrading microbes. Therefore, SWPPT may be useful for quantifying in situ aerobic respiration and denitrification rates and for assessing microbial population dynamics in petroleum-contaminated fractured bedrock aquifers.

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Abbreviations

SWPPT:

Single-well push–pull test

BTEX:

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene

ED:

Electron donor

EA:

Electron acceptor

CS:

Carbon source

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Korea Ministry of Environment as “The GAIA project (No. G111-17003-0011-1)” and a Korea University Grant. This article has not been reviewed by these agencies, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Daejeon University (Former: Research Institute for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea), Daejeon, South Korea

    Yunchul Cho

  2. Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, Choongnam, South Korea

    Kyungjin Han & Young Kim

  3. SK Innovation Co. Ltd., Seoul, South Korea

    Namhee Kim

  4. National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, South Korea

    Sunhwa Park

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  1. Yunchul Cho
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  2. Kyungjin Han
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  5. Young Kim
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Correspondence to Young Kim.

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Cho, Y., Han, K., Kim, N. et al. Estimating In Situ Biodegradation Rates of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Microbial Population Dynamics by Performing Single-Well Push–Pull Tests in a Fractured Bedrock Aquifer. Water Air Soil Pollut 224, 1364 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-012-1364-5

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