Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Successful treatment of an MTBE-impacted aquifer using a bioreactor self-colonized by native aquifer bacteria

Biodegradation volume 25, pages 41–53 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

A field-scale fixed bed bioreactor was used to successfully treat an MTBE-contaminated aquifer in North Hollywood, CA without requiring inoculation with introduced bacteria. Native bacteria from the MTBE-impacted aquifer rapidly colonized the bioreactor, entering the bioreactor in the contaminated groundwater pumped from the site, and biodegraded MTBE with greater than 99 % removal efficiency. DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified MTBE-degrading bacteria Methylibium petroleiphilum in the bioreactor. Quantitative PCR showed M. petroleiphilum enriched by three orders of magnitude in the bioreactor above densities pre-existing in the groundwater. Because treatment was carried out by indigenous rather than introduced organisms, regulatory approval was obtained for implementation of a full-scale bioreactor to continue treatment of the aquifer. In addition, after confirmation of MTBE removal in the bioreactor to below maximum contaminant limit levels (MCL; MTBE = 5 μg L−1), treated water was approved for reinjection back into the aquifer rather than requiring discharge to a water treatment system. This is the first treatment system in California to be approved for reinjection of biologically treated effluent into a drinking water aquifer. This study demonstrated the potential for using native microbial communities already present in the aquifer as an inoculum for ex-situ bioreactors, circumventing the need to establish non-native, non-acclimated and potentially costly inoculants. Understanding and harnessing the metabolic potential of native organisms circumvents some of the issues associated with introducing non-native organisms into drinking water aquifers, and can provide a low-cost and efficient remediation technology that can streamline future bioremediation approval processes.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

£ 29.95

Price includes VAT (United Kingdom)

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

References

  • Aslett D, Haas J, Hyman M (2011) Identification of tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA)-utilizing organisms in BioGAC reactors using 13C-DNA stable isotope probing. Biodegradation 22(5):961–972. doi:10.1007/s10532-011-9455-3

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bastida F, Rosell M, Franchini AG, Seifert J, Finsterbusch S, Jehmlich N, Jechalke S, Von Bergen M, Richnow HH (2010) Elucidating MTBE degradation in a mixed consortium using a multidisciplinary approach. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 73(2):370–384

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bayliss CE, Waites WM (1980) The effect of hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation on non-sporing bacteria. J Appl Microbiol 48(3):417–422. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.1980.tb01030.x

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bianchi E, Censabella I, Fascetti E (2009) Aerobic biodegradation of MtBE in an upflow fixed bed reactor. J Chem Technol Biotechnol 84(6):871–876. doi:10.1002/jctb.2133

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruns MA, Hanson JR, Mefford J, Scow KM (2001) Isolate PM1 populations are dominant and novel methyl tert-butyl ether-degrading bacteria in compost biofilter enrichments. Environ Microbiol 3(3):220–225

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CDPH (2011) Groundwater recharge draft regulation. California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Sacramento. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Documents/Recharge/DraftRechargeReg-2011-11-21.pdf. Accessed 5 Dec 2012

  • Cheng Z-W, Chen J-M, Chen D-Z, Zhang L-L (2011) Biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether in a bioreactor using Immobilized Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 Cells. Water Air Soil Pollut 214(1):59–72. doi:10.1007/s11270-010-0403-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen BE, Trønnes HN, Vollan K, Smidsrød O, Bakke R (1990) Biofilm removal by low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Biofouling 2(2):165–175

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CRWQCB (2005) General waste discharge requirements for biologically activated, granular activated carbon (bioGAC) treated groundwater injections at former fast fuel site, 11051 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, California (UST CASE FILE NO. 916061625, CI NO. 8907). http://63.199.216.6/larwqcb_new/permits/docs/8907_R4-2005-0030_RSC.pdf. Accessed 5 Dec 2012

  • CRWQCB (2009) Termination of coverage under general waste discharge requirements former fast fuel site 11051 Victory Boulevard, California (A-I site) (UST FILE NO. 916061625) (ORDER NO. R4-2005-0030, SERIES NO. 015, Cl-8907). http://63.199.216.6/larwqcb_new/permits/docs/8907_R4-2005-0030_RSC.pdf. Accessed 6 Dec 2012

  • CRWQCB (2011) 11051 Victory Blvd Closure Package. California Regional Water Quality Control Board. http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/regulators/deliverable_documents/6213744938/11051 Victory Blvd Closure Package.pdf. Accessed 6 Dec 2012

  • Deeb RA, Hu H-Y, Hanson JR, Scow KM, Alvarez-Cohen L (2001) Substrate interactions in BTEX and MTBE mixtures by an MTBE-degrading isolate. Environ Sci Technol 35(2):312–317

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fortin NY, Deshusses MA (1999) Treatment of methyl tert-butyl ether vapors in biotrickling filters. 1. Reactor startup, steady-state performance, and culture characteristics. Environ Sci Technol 33(17):2980–2986

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Geotracker fast fuel facility (FORMER) (T0603702602) (2012). State Water Resources Control Board. http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=T0603702602. Accessed 5 Dec 2012

  • Hanson JR, Ackerman CE, Scow KM (1999) Biodegradation of MTBE by bacterial strain PM1. Abstr Gen Meet Am Soc Microbiol 99:552

    Google Scholar 

  • Hristova KR, Lutenegger CM, Scow KM (2001) Detection and quantification of methyl tert-butyl ether-degrading strain PM1 by real-time TaqMan PCR. Appl Environ Microbiol 67(11):5154–5160

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hristova K, Gebreyesus B, Mackay D, Scow KM (2003) Naturally occurring bacteria similar to the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-degrading strain PM1 are present in MTBE-contaminated groundwater. Appl Environ Microbiol 69(5):2616–2623

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hristova KR, Schmidt R, Chakicherla AY, Legler TC, Wu J, Chain PS, Scow KM, Kane SR (2007) Comparative transcriptome analysis of Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 exposed to the fuel-oxygenates methyl-tert-butyl ether and ethanol. Appl Environ Microbiol 73:7347–7357

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kane SR, Beller HR, Legler TC, Koester CJ, Pinkart HC, Halden RU, Happel AM (2001) Aerobic biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether by aquifer bacteria from leaking underground storage tank sites. Appl Environ Microbiol 67(12):5824–5829

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kane SR, Chakicherla AY, Chain PSG, Schmidt R, Shin MW, Legler TC, Scow KM, Larimer FW, Lucas SM, Richardson PM, Hristova KR (2007) Whole-genome analysis of methyl tert-butyl ether-degrading beta-proteobacterium Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1. J Bacteriol 189(5):1931–1945

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kharoune M, Pauss A, Lebeault JM (2001) Aerobic biodegradation of an oxygenates mixture: ETBE, MTBE and TAME in an upflow fixed-bed reactor. Water Res 35(7):1665–1674

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Massol-Deya A, Weller R, Rios-Hernandez L, Zhou J, Hickey R, Tiedje J (1997) Succession and convergence of biofilm communities in fixed-film reactors treating aromatic hydrocarbons in groundwater. Appl Environ Microbiol 63(1):270–276

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Medella A, Suidan MT, Venosa AD (2011) Performance assessment of a new type of membrane bioreactor under steady state and transient operating conditions. J Environ Eng 137(9):817–825

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mehta S (2001) MTBE cleanup cost $29 billion, study says. Los Angeles Times, 10/14/12

  • Morrison JR, Suidan MT, Venosa AD (2002) Use of membrane bioreactor for biodegradation of MTBE in contaminated water. J Environ Eng 128(9):836–841. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9372

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nakatsu CH, Hristova KR, Hanada S, Meng X-Y, Hanson JR, Scow KM, Kamagata Y (2006) Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 gen. nov., sp nov., a novel methyl tert-butyl ether-degrading methylotroph of the Betaproteobacteria. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56:983–989

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Persson F, Heinicke G, Uhl W, Hedberg T, Hermansson M (2006) Performance of direct biofiltration of surface water for reduction of biodegradable organic matter and biofilm formation potential. Environ Technol 27(9):1037–1045

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pruden A, Suidan M, Venosa A, Wilson GJ (2001) Biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether under various substrate conditions. Environ Sci Technol 35(21):4235–4241

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pruden A, Sedran M, Suidan M, Venosa A (2003) Biodegradation of MTBE and BTEX in an aerobic fluidized bed reactor. Water Sci Technol 47(9):123–128

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schallenberg M, Kalff J, Rasmussen JB (1989) Solutions to problems in enumerating sediment bacteria by direct counts. Appl Environ Microbiol 55(5):1214–1219

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt R, Battaglia V, Scow K, Kane S, Hristova KR (2008) Involvement of a novel enzyme, MdpA, in methyl tert-butyl ether degradation in Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1. Appl Environ Microbiol 74(21):6631–6638. doi:10.1128/aem.01192-08

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Slade RC (2012) Groundwater pumping and spreading plan for the upper Los Angeles river area (ULARA) Los Angeles county, California. Annual report Upper Los Angeles River Area Watermaster, 2011–2016 waer years edn. Upper Los Angeles River Area Watermaster, Los Angeles

  • Stringfellow WT, Oh KC (2002) Initiation of MTBE biotreatment in fluidized-bed bioreactors. J Environ Eng 128:852

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sweet F, Kauffman M, Pellerin T, Espy D, Mills M (2010) An Estimate of the National cost for Remediation of MTBE releases from existing leaking underground storage tank sites. p 12

  • Vainberg S, Togna AP, Sutton PM, Steffan RJ (2002) Treatment of MTBE-contaminated water in fluidized bed bioreactor. J Environ Eng 128(9):842–851. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9372

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Velji M, Albright L (1986) Microscopic enumeration of attached marine bacteria of seawater, marine sediment, fecal matter, and kelp blade samples following pyrophosphate and ultrasound treatments. Can J Microbiol 32(2):121–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson GJ, Richter AP, Suidan MT, Venosa AD (2001) Aerobic biodegradation of gasoline oxygenates MTBE and TBA. Water Sci Technol 43(2):277–284

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson G, Pruden A, Suidan M, Venosa A (2002) Biodegradation kinetics of MTBE in laboratory batch and continuous flow reactors. J Environ Eng 128:824

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zein MM, Suidan MT, Venosa AD (2004) MtBE biodegradation in a gravity flow, high-biomass retaining bioreactor. Environ Sci Technol 38(12):3449–3456. doi:10.1021/es030652y

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zein MM, Suidan MT, Venosa AD (2006) Bioremediation of groundwater contaminated with gasoline hydrocarbons and oxygenates using a membrane-based reactor. Environ Sci Technol 40(6):1997–2003. doi:10.1021/es051593m

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Kevin Feris for scientific and technical expertise and to Shanna Rompel and Cindy Wallace for laboratory support. This project was funded, in part, by the Tesoro Corporation, Inc., by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) fellowship program and by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH (grant number 5 P42 ES004699). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Tesoro, EPA, NIEHS or NIH.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Kristin A. Hicks, Radomir Schmidt, Krassimira R. Hristova & Kate M. Scow

  2. Haley & Aldrich, Inc., 200 Town Centre Drive, Suite 2, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA

    Michael G. Nickelsen, Susan L. Boyle & Paul M. Tornatore

  3. Tesoro Companies, Inc., Auburn, WA, 98001-9540, USA

    Jeffrey M. Baker

  4. Biological Sciences Department, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA

    Krassimira R. Hristova

Authors
  1. Kristin A. Hicks
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Radomir Schmidt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael G. Nickelsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Susan L. Boyle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jeffrey M. Baker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Paul M. Tornatore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Krassimira R. Hristova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Kate M. Scow
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Radomir Schmidt.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hicks, K.A., Schmidt, R., Nickelsen, M.G. et al. Successful treatment of an MTBE-impacted aquifer using a bioreactor self-colonized by native aquifer bacteria. Biodegradation 25, 41–53 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-013-9639-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-013-9639-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation