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Combined 14C and δ13C analysis of petroleum biodegradation in a shallow contaminated aquifer

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Abstract

The contamination of soil and groundwater by the accidental release of petroleum hydrocarbons is a common problem that affects drinking water supplies, and in situ biodegradation is a promising option for removing contaminants, with relatively low costs and minimal health risks. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), δ13C and 14C isotope ratios in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and other geochemical indicators have been analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of in situ biodegradation at a contaminated site. The δ13C and 14C isotope ratios ranged from −5.4 to −18.4 ‰ and from 35.1 to 67 pmc, respectively. Some groundwater samples were contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons with low 14C and δ13C contents, indicating the existence of microbial non-methanogenic biodegradation, whereas low 14C and high δ 13C contents were associated with the highest TPH concentrations, confirming that microbial methanogenic biodegradation occurred in these areas. Differences in the δ13C and 14C isotope ratios between monitoring wells in uncontaminated and contaminated areas suggest that the percentage of the DIC produced by methanogenic biodegradation decreased from 28.5–32.0 to 5.94–6.67 % along the flow direction, and became almost zero in downgradient areas and at the edge of the contamination plume.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education/Institute of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, 130026, China

    Hang Lv, Xiaosi Su & Yuling Zhang

  2. Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, 130026, China

    Yan Wang

Authors
  1. Hang Lv
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  2. Yan Wang
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  3. Xiaosi Su
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  4. Yuling Zhang
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Correspondence to Xiaosi Su.

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Lv, H., Wang, Y., Su, X. et al. Combined 14C and δ13C analysis of petroleum biodegradation in a shallow contaminated aquifer. Environ Earth Sci 74, 431–438 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4049-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4049-8

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