PARENT SESSION
PW7 - Biotransformation / Metabolisms / Degradation
Wednesday, 20 November 2002
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
(P796) Determination of the Rate of Fuel Biodegradation in a Karst Microcosm.
Watson, Valetta*,1, Byl, Tom1,2, 1 Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.2 U.S. Geological Survey, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT- The contamination of aquifers with petroleum hydrocarbons has lead to the development of several bioremediation strategies. In spite of its utility, bioremediation has not been aggressively pursued as a remediation option in karst aquifers. This research addressed the notion that insignificant biodegradation occurs in karst conduits. A laboratory microcosm simulating a flowing karst conduit was effective in removing 40% to 60% of benzene and toluene introduced into the system. Preliminary interpretations indicate that the karst bacteria would reduce 1 mg/L of BTEX to safe levels within two weeks. Kinetic parameters obtained in the present study will ultimately be used to design a biodegradation model for the karst site. A successful model would have transferability to other parts of the country since a significant portion of the eastern United States is underlain by karstic aquifers.
Key words: karst, biodegradation, bioremediation, btex