Iron and Sulfur Mineral Analysis Methods for Natural Attenuation Assessments

Authors: Kennedy, Lonnie G.¹; Everett, Jess W.²; Ware, Kevin J.¹; Parsons, Robert¹; Green, Valerie¹

Source: Bioremediation Journal, Volume 2, Number 3, December 1998 , pp. 259-276(18)

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Abstract:

Based on electron acceptor abundance, Fe 3+ and SO 4 2- reduction by bacteria may play a dominant role in intrinsic bioremediation of some organic contaminants in the subsurface. Both Fe 3+ and SO 4 2- reduction processes involve mineral phases and may not be properly understood by evaluating only groundwater concentrations. Fe and S mineral analyses should be incorporated in natural attenuation studies; however, inherent problems with sample collection and analysis have discouraged such efforts. Methods are presented here for (1) sediment collection and anoxic preservation, (2) evaluation of biologically available Fe 3+ and biogenically produced Fe 2+ minerals, and (3) a simplified extended mineral sulfide analysis for sim

FeS and S°+FeS 2 . These techniques are demonstrated to evaluate Fe 3+ and SO 4 2- reduction at three sites where the soil or aquifer matrix had been contaminated with gasoline fuel, methane gas, or landfill leachate. It is expected that these techniques will permit Fe and S mineral analyses to become a routine part of natural attenuation assessments.

Keywords: natural attenuation; intrinsic bioremediation; Fe

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10889869891214376

Affiliations: 1: School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019 2: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028

Publication date: 1998-12-01