In Situ Biodenitrification - A Case Study

By Kevin E. Garrett, Ph.D. and Amy L. Hudson, AEP

ABSTRACT
Nitrate contaminated groundwater is a growing problem in the U.S and has received increased attention from regulators. Several approaches have been applied to remediate groundwater, but most have high engineering and operational costs associated with them. This paper presents an in situ biodenitrification technique applied to remediate groundwater nitrate contamination in the 32 acre Pond Area of a closed mineral processing Facility. Methanol is being injected directly into the aquifer as a food source for native bacteria to enhance natural biodenitrification. Methanol was chosen for this remediation project due to its low cost and ease of handling. This technique has reduced the nitrate concentrations an average of 57 percent at the Facility since treatment began in September 2001. Based on the success of this technique, there are plans to expand the system to speed the complete remediation of the Facility.

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