An integrated numerical and physical modeling system for an enhanced in situ bioremediation process

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2006-12, Vol.144 (3), p.872-885
• Main Authors: Huang, Y.F., Huang, G.H., Wang, G.Q., Lin, Q.G., Chakma, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Aquifer; aquifers; benzene; biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of waters; Bioremediation; Biotechnology; Computer Simulation; Contaminant; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environment; Environment and pollution; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; equations; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Groundwater; groundwater contamination; Groundwaters; hydrocarbons; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; mathematical models; microbial biomass; microbial growth; Models, Theoretical; Natural water pollution; petroleum; Petroleum - toxicity; Pilot; pollutants; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Risk Assessment; Simulation; simulation models; soil pollution; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.02.017

Groundwater contamination due to releases of petroleum products is a major environmental concern in many urban districts and industrial zones. Over the past years, a few studies were undertaken to address in situ bioremediation processes coupled with contaminant transport in two- or three-dimensional domains. However, they were concentrated on natural attenuation processes for petroleum contaminants or enhanced in situ bioremediation processes in laboratory columns. In this study, an integrated numerical and physical modeling system is developed for simulating an enhanced in situ biodegradation (EISB) process coupled with three-dimensional multiphase multicomponent flow and transport simulation in a multi-dimensional pilot-scale physical model. The designed pilot-scale physical model is effective in tackling natural attenuation and EISB processes for site remediation. The simulation results demonstrate that the developed system is effective in modeling the EISB process, and can thus be used for investigating the effects of various uncertainties. An integrated modeling system was developed to enhance in situ bioremediation processes.