An Intermediate-Scale Lysimeter Facility for Subsurface Bioremediation Research

• Published in: Bioremediation journal 2000-01, Vol.4 (1), p.69-79
• Main Authors: Cox, Chris D., Nivens, David E., Ripp, Steven, Wong, Meng Meng, Palumbo, Anthony, Burlage, Robert S., Sayler, Gary S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: lysimeters
• ISSN: 1088-9868; 1547-6529
• DOI: 10.1080/10588330008951133

A lysimeter facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, originally constructed to investigate leaching from low-level radioactive waste, was converted for use as an intermediate-scale facility for subsurface bioremediation research. The six experimental lysimeters are 2.5 m diameter by 4 m deep. The number and size of the lysimeters allow for replicate experiments and extensive sampling of the soil under controlled conditions. The facility provided containment of the contaminated soil, leachate, and microorganisms; positive control of the water table within the lysimeter; the ability to aerate the subsurface; multiple means of adding nutrients, electron acceptors, and electron donors to the subsurface; instrumentation for monitoring oxygen level, temperature, and moisture level; and means for obtaining samples of groundwater, soil, and liquid and gas samples from the soil pores. The flexibility of the facility allows for simulation of a wide range of subsurface bioremediation technologies. Startup and operational procedures and the advantages and disadvantages of the lysimeter facility are discussed. The facility is currently available to the bioremediation research community.