4.

30 CO-METABOLIC PROCESSES
Description: Co-metabolism is one form of secondary substrate transformation in which enzymes produced for primary substrate oxidation are capable of degrading the secondary substrate fortuitously, even though the secondary substrates do not afford sufficient energy to sustain the microbial population. An emerging application involves the injection of water containing dissolved methane and oxygen into groundwater to enhance methanotrophic biological degradation. This class of microorganisms can degrade chlorinated solvents, such as vinyl chloride and TCE, by co-metabolism.

4-30 TYPICAL CO-METABOLIC BIOREMEDIATION SYSTEM (IN SITU) FOR CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

Applicability: Target contaminants for co-metabolic processes are VOCs and SVOCs. The process may also have some effectiveness in treating fuels and pesticides. As with other biological treatments, treatability is highly dependent upon the biodegradability of the contaminants. Limitations: Factors that may limit the applicability and effectiveness of the process include: This technology is still under development. Where the subsurface is heterogeneous, it is very difficult to circulate the methane solution throughout every portion of the contaminated zone. Higher permeability zones are cleaned up much faster because groundwater flow rates are greater. Safety precautions (such as removing all ignition sources in the area) must be used when handling methane.

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Data Needs:

A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.2 (Data Requirements for Groundwater, Surface Water, and Leachate). Characteristics that should be addressed prior to system design include aquifer permeability, site hydrology, dissolved oxygen content, pH, and depth, type, concentration, and biodegradability of contaminants.

Performance Data:

While ex situ bioreactors for methanotrophic TCE biodegradation are being used in full-scale remediation, in situ application has not yet been demonstrated at a practical scale. A field demonstration project has been conducted at DOD's Moffett Naval Air Station, and another is being conducted at DOE's Savannah River site. The DOE pilot-scale demonstration was performed at the Savannah River site's abandoned seepage basin and process sewer line employed for disposal of solvents used to degrease nuclear fuel target elements. Contamination is mostly TCE and PCE with concentrations of 10,000 ppb in soil and 1,000 ppb in groundwater. Extensive soil and groundwater monitoring has demonstrated that when methanotroph densities increased five orders of magnitude, TCE and PCE concentrations declined to less than 2 ppb.

Cost:

For the DOE Savannah River demonstration, capital investment costs were $150K and 200 manhours for site preparation, setup, and assembly. The operation is low maintenance, requiring only one technician at 25% time (10 hours per week); other operational costs are for electricity, natural gas, and equipment maintenance. O&M costs can be significant because a continuous source of methane solution must be delivered to the contaminated groundwater.

References:

EPA, 1993. In Situ Bioremediation: Biodegradation of Trichloroethylene and Tetrachloroethylene by Injection of Air and Methane, Innovative Remedial Technology Information Request Guide. DOE, 1991. "Modeling Bioremediation Experiments at SRS ID," FY92 Technical Task Description , TTP No. AL 1211-02. DOE, 1992. "SRS Integrated Demo: Remediation Tasks," FY92 Technical Task Description, TTP Reference Number: SR 1211-06. DOE-SR, 1993. Technical Name: Methanotrophic In Situ Bioremediation Using Methane/Air and Gaseous Nutrient Injection Via Horizontal Wells, Technology Information Profile, Rev. 2, DOE ProTech Database, TTP Reference Number: SR-1211-06. DOE, 1991. "VOCs in Non-Arid Soils Integration Demonstration, Analysis, and Evaluation Task," FY92 Technical Task Summary/Description, TTP Reference Number: SF 2111-01.

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Site Information:
Site Name Tinker AFB and ORNL Contact Alison Thomas AL/EQW-OL 139 Barnes Drive Tyndall AFB, FL 32403 (904) 283-6303 Terry C. Hazen Westinghouse Savannah River Co. P.O. Box 616 Bldg. 773-42A Aiken, SC 29802 (803) 725-5178 NA Summary Ex situ methanotrophic bioreactor NA NA NA Beginning Levels Levels Attained Costs

DOE Savannah River Site Aiken, SC

Methane and air injected into seepage basin by horizontal wells

TCE/PCE <2 ppb NA

$150K cap

Bendix Corp./Allied Automotive St. Joseph, MI Note: NA = Not Available.

CERCLA Lead Predesign - TCE, DCE, DCA, anaerobic cycle to treat VC TCE

NA

NA

Points of Contact:
Contact Ronald Lewis Technology Demonstration and Transfer Branch Kurt Gerdes Government Agency EPA RREL USAEC Phone (513) 569-7856 Fax: (513) 569-7620 (410) 671-2054 Fax: (410) 612-6836 (301) 903-7289 Location 26 West M.L. King Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45268 SFIM-AEC-ETD APG, MD 21010-5401 EM-551, Trevion II Washington, DC 20585

DOE

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