Highlights  PAHs degradation from diesel fuel aromatic fraction was investigated  Novel method was applied for the visualization degraded compounds in the GC×GC-TOF MS chromatograms  Oerskovia sp. CHP-ZH25 has successfully degraded different PAHs from diesel fuel aromatic fraction

Due to their extensive use, petroleum hydrocarbons are among the most common groundwater contaminants. Compared to the traditional methods of physical pumping of contamination from the aquifer and subsequent treatment (e.g. pump and treat), bioremediation is an economically costeffective technology. The aim of this remediation approach is to biologically, most often by the microbiological activity, transform contaminants into nontoxic compounds. More precisely, it is an active remediation process that involves biostimulation (an increase of aquifer oxygenation, the addition of nutrients) and/or bioaugmentation (injection of a concentrated and specialized population of microorganisms). Using both biostimulation and bioaugmentation, enhanced in situ groundwater bioremediation was applied at a hydrocarbon-contaminated site in Belgrade. The bioremediation treatment, applied during a twelve months period, was highly efficient in reducing concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) to acceptable levels. In the piezometer P-5 concentration of TPH has been reduced for 98.55 %, in the piezometer P-6 for 98.30 % and in the piezometer P-7 concentration of TPH has been reduced for 98.09 %. These results provide strong evidence on the potential of this remediation approach to overcome site-limiting factors and enhance microbiological activity in order to reduce groundwater contamination.

The oil pollutant in the Sava River aquifer in the residential area of Belgrade, Serbia was investigated in order to analyze the extent, origin and spatial distribution of the pollution, with the aim to estimate potential human health risks from exposure to the compounds detected. Analytical methods indicated that the dominant compounds in this oil pollutant were gasoline range organic compounds. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) were identified as compounds of concern and quantified by headspace gas chromatography. The concentrations of benzene measured at all sampling points were higher than the remediation value while the maximum concentrations of BTEX quantified were among the highest concentrations of these compounds reported in the petroleum-contaminated aquifers in the world. The assessment of the human health risks from exposure to BTEX-covered industrial scenario for adult receptors and residential scenario for adult receptors and children. The exposure routes analyzed were dermal contact with and ingestion of contaminated water, considering both cancer and non-cancer effects. The analysis of the lifetime incremental cancer risk indicated the potential for adverse health effects for human exposure at the investigated location, and because of that it was interpreted as an unacceptable risk level or risks of high priority which required immediate consideration for remedial measures at this location. A complete set of mitigation measures was proposed including: groundwater decontamination treatment, installation of filters for tap water, development of the system for monitoring of BTEX in the groundwater and development of the emergency response capacities at this location.

No abstract

No abstract