Bioremediation of trichloroethylene‐polluted groundwater using emulsified castor oil for slow carbon release and acidification control

Abstract

In this study, the emulsified castor oil (ECO) substrate was developed for a long‐term supplement of biodegradable carbon with pH buffering capacity to anaerobically bioremediate trichloroethylene (TCE)‐polluted groundwater. The ECO was produced by mixing castor oil, surfactants (sapindales and soya lecithin [SL]), vitamin complex, and a citrate/sodium phosphate dibasic buffer system together for slow carbon release. Results of the emulsification experiments and microcosm tests indicate that ECO emulsion had uniform small droplets (diameter = 539 nm) with stable oil‐in‐water characteristics. ECO had a long‐lasting, dispersive, negative zeta potential (−13 mv), and biodegradable properties (viscosity = 357 cp). Approximately 97% of TCE could be removed with ECO supplement after a 95‐day operational period without the accumulation of TCE dechlorination byproducts (dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride). The buffer system could neutralize acidified groundwater, and citrate could be served as a primary substrate. ECO addition caused an abrupt TCE adsorption at the initial stage and the subsequent removal of adsorbed TCE. Results from the next generation sequences and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicate that the increased microbial communities and TCE‐degrading bacterial consortia were observed after ECO addition. ECO could be used as a pH‐control and carbon substrate to enhance anaerobic TCE biodegradation effectively. Practitioner Points Emulsified castor oil (ECO) contains castor oil, surfactants, and buffer for a slow carbon release and pH control. ECO can be a long‐term carbon source for trichloroethylene (TCE) dechlorination without causing acidification. TCE removal after ECO addition is due to adsorption and reductive dechlorination mechanisms.

Biogeochemical In Situ Barriers in the Aquifers near Uranium Sludge Storages

“…More alkaline conditions can lead to the transition of NH 4 + to NH 3 , and the latter is a strong toxicant. At the same time, more acid conditions will prevent the development of microflora [38,39].…”

Thermally Enhanced Biodegradation of TCE in Groundwater

“…However, many other sources were successfully tested, e.g., emulsified vegetable oils [47,48], glucose [47,49], acetate [50], formate, and fumarate [51]. Additionally improved, multi-purpose (containing also sources of surfactants and vitamins and/or pH control agents) and slow-releasing sources were tested [52,53]. Whey [17,54] and molasses [55] as by-products of the food industry can be an effective way to intensify by sources of electron donors and organic carbon.…”