Characterizing Intrinsic Bioremediation in a Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Aquifer by Combined Chemical, Isotopic, and Biological Analyses

Authors: Bolliger, Christof¹; Schönholzer, Frank¹; Schroth, Martin H.¹; Hahn, Dittmar²; Bernasconi, Stefano M.³; Zeyer, Josef¹

Source: Bioremediation Journal, Volume 4, Number 4, October-December 2000 , pp. 359-371(13)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

Chemical, isotopic, and biological parameters were evaluated over a 1-year period to characterize microbial processes associated with intrinsic bioremediation in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer located in Studen, Switzerland. Chemical parameters measured included oxidants such as O 2 , NO 3 - , and SO 4 2- , reduced species such as Fe 2+ and CH 4 , and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Stable carbon isotope analyses of DIC were used to differentiate between different processes that contribute to DIC production. Microbial populations were identified by sequence analysis of archaeal 16S rDNA and in situ hybridization using a general DNA binding dye (DAPI) and specific probes targeting the domain Archaea (Arch915) and Bacteria (Eub338), as well as the species Methanosaeta concilii (Rotcl1) and Methanospirillum sp. (Rotcl2). Groundwater exhibited reduced conditions and elevated concentrations of DIC within the contaminated zone. Spatially distinct values of 13 C ranging from -16.5l%c to -4.44%o were found, indicating the presence of different ongoing microbial processes. Detected microbial populations (% of DAPI-stained cells) within the contaminated zone belonged to Archaea (9±2% to 31±13%) and Bacteria (13±3% to 32±13%). In wells with methanogenic activity, Methanosaeta concilii accounted for up to 26% of all DAPI-detected microorganisms. These results demonstrate that this novel combination of chemical, isotopic, and biological analysis provides valuable insights that can be used for the characterization of microbial processes in contaminated aquifers.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10889860091114301

Affiliations: 1: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Soil Biology, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland 2: Present address: Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 101 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA 3: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Institute of Geology, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland

Publication date: 2000-10-01

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