In‐situ bioremediation of amine‐ and glycol‐contaminated soils using low‐intervention methods

Abstract

Biological plugs are an innovative, low‐intervention, in‐situ bioremediation methodology for both saturated and unsaturated contaminated soils. They are modular in‐ground immobilized microbe bioreactors designed to rapidly increase the oxidation of organic contaminants by placing an adapted consortia of microorganisms in close proximity to the contaminants of concern. The approach is versatile, in that contaminants can be remediated in‐situ without the removal of existing structures as well as being able to efficiently and economically treat contaminants over a large area. Amine‐ and glycol‐contaminated soils at gas sweetening plants, represent a significant problem in magnitude, prevalence, and risk along pipelines stretching through Canada's western provinces. A field pilot study was conducted at an isolated former gas sweetening plant in northwestern Alberta. Monoethyamine (MEA) and several glycols were successfully remediated in situ in a 138‐day time frame. Soil toxicity was significantly reduced. The engineering challenges and associated economics of remediating such isolated sites are also presented.

In situ bioremediation of an aniline spill in an industrial setting

“…After these were in place, two sets of bioplugs were installed approximately two years apart during the remediation project. A detailed discussion of the bioplug design, installation, and operation can be found in Lee and Portier (1999).…”

Degradation of monoethanolamine in soil

“…Few studies have been done on biodegradation of MEA in water (Chong 1994;Emtiazi and Knapp 1994;Stepan et al 1997) and soil (Gallagher et al 1995;Sorensen et al 1997Sorensen et al , 2000Lee and Portier 1999). Many of these studies have been conducted on demonstration sites.…”