Anaerobic Bioaugmentation of a PHC Groundwater Plume: Pilot-Scale Experiment

Bacterial cultures are sometimes added to groundwater to increase the rate of degradation of contaminants. Three cultures that are able to completely biodegrade their primary compound to non-toxic end products in the absence of oxygen have been enriched from contaminated soils. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the efficacy of these cultures in a controlled field experiment. High resolution temporal and spatial data will be collected to estimate degradation rates, and support a process level understanding. This novel work will allow SiREM and Geosyntec to further expand its technical expertise, and provide high-value opportunities for field applications of for a suite of contaminants not currently in their portfolio.

Faculty Supervisor:

Neil Thomson

Student:

Adam E. Schneider

Partner:

SiREM

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo