4.

31 NITRATE ENHANCEMENT
Description: Solubilized nitrate is circulated throughout groundwater contamination zones to provide electron acceptors for biological activity and enhance the rate of degradation of organic contaminants by naturally occurring microbes. Development of nitrate enhancement is still at the pilot scale.

4-31 TYPICAL NITRATE-ENHANCED BIOREMEDIATION SYSTEM

This technology enhances the anaerobic biodegradation through the addition of nitrate. Fuel has been shown to degrade rapidly under aerobic conditions, but success often is limited by the inability to provide sufficient oxygen to the contaminated zones as a result of the low water solubility of oxygen. Nitrate also can serve as an electron receptor and is more soluble in water than oxygen. The addition of nitrate to an aquifer results in the anaerobic biodegradation of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (TEX). The benzene component of fuel has been found to be recalcitrant under strictly anaerobic conditions. A mixed oxygen/nitrate system would prove advantageous in that the addition of nitrate would supplement the demand for oxygen rather than replace it, allowing for benzene to be biodegraded under microaerophilic conditions. Applicability: Target contaminants for the process are nonhalogenated VOCs, SVOCs, and fuels. Nitrate enhancement has primarily been used to remediate groundwater contaminated by BTEX. Pesticides also should have limited treatability. As with other biological treatments, this is highly dependent upon the biodegradability of the contaminants. Limitations: Factors that may limit the applicability and effectiveness of the process include:

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IN SITU WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

This technology has been found to be effective on only a narrow spectrum of contaminants to date. Where the subsurface is heterogeneous, it is very difficult to circulate the nitrate solution throughout every portion of the contaminated zone. Higher permeability zones will be cleaned up much faster because groundwater flow rates are greater. Nitrate has a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L. The location and concentration of nitrate addition would have to consider this, and downgradient monitoring may be required. Many states prohibit nitrate injection into groundwater because nitrate is regulated through drinking water standards.

Data Needs:

A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.2 (Data Requirements for Groundwater, Surface Water, and Leachate). Characteristics that should be investigated prior to system design include aquifer permeability, site hydrology, dissolved oxygen content, pH, and depth, type, concentration, and biodegradability of contaminants.

Performance Data:

As with other in situ biodegradation processes, the success of this technology is highly dependent upon soil and chemical properties. One cost estimate is in the range of $40 to $60 per liter ($160 to $230 per gallon) of residual fuel removed from the aquifer. Hutchins, S.R., G.W. Sewell, D.A. Kovacs, and G.A. Smith, 1991. "Biodegradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Aquifer Microorganisms Under Denitrifying Conditions," Environmental Science and Technology, No. 25, pp. 68-76. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service (NTIS), May 1991. Nitrate for Biorestoration of an Aquifer Contaminated with Jet Fuel.

Cost:

References:

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4.31 NITRATE ENHANCEMENT

Site Information:
Site Name Eglin AFB, FL Contact Alison Thomas AL/EQW Tyndall AFB (904) 283-6303 Don A. Vroblesky USGS Columbia, SC 29210-7651 (803) 750-6115 Summary Nitrate enhancement of anaerobic degradation of JP-4 Beginning Levels Levels Attained Costs

NA

NA <10 mg/L BTEX

NA

Hanahan Defense Supply Point, SC

Nitrates added to 2,000 mg/L BTEX groundwater and injected into aquifer to enhance natural biodegradation of jet fuel RCRA Lead Currently in predesign addition of O2 potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, and molasses

NA

Stalworth Timber Jason Darby Beatrice, AL (404) 347-3433

NA

NA

NA

Park City Park City, KS

John Wilson (405) 332-8800

CERCLA Lead Full scale Petro, benzene since December 1992. Ammonium chloride and nitrate addition

Benzene, 5 ppb

$650K expected total

Note: NA = Not Available.

Points of Contact:
Contact Alison Thomas Government Agency USAF Phone (904) 283-6303 Location AL/EQW-OL 139 Barnes Drive Tyndall AFB, FL 32403 720 Gracern Road, Stephenson Center, Suite 129 Columbia, SC 29210 SFIM-AEC-ETD APG, MD 21010-5401

Frank Chapelle

USGS

(803) 750-6116

Technology Demonstration and Transfer Branch

USAEC

(410) 671-2054 Fax: (410) 612-6836

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