Sustainable Groundwater Treatment Through Microbial Control
Outcome/Accomplishment
A team of Arizona State University (ASU) researchers at The Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC), have deployed a pilot-scale groundwater treatment site to exhibit their novel microbial growth control technique for the remediation of bioclogging and biofouling during decontamination processes.
Impact/Benefits
The pilot test showed that reductive dechlorination and chain elongation were highly effective at converting chlorinated compounds, reducing methane gas, and eliminating bioclogging. NSF CBBG has secured funding from industry partners to further research and deploy additional sites. The Center plans to foster relationships with new collaborators by expanding internationally.
Explanation/Background
NSF CBBG’s previous work had proven new techniques to support detoxification of trichloroethylene (TCE), decrease methane production, and minimal bioclogging. This phase of research focuses on chlorinates solvent bioremediation through aerobic cometabolism, reductive dechlorination, and chain elongation.
Dr. Anca Delgado and her research team partnered with Haley & Aldrich, a Massachusetts environmental and geotechnical consulting firm, to successfully deploy this technology at a Superfund site in California. This site suffered from bioclogging, produced excessive methane, and had accumulated chlorinated byproducts. The team’s novel microbial growth control technique proved highly effective at addressing all of these issues.
Location
Tempe, ArizonaStart Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
A team of Arizona State University (ASU) researchers at The Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC), have deployed a pilot-scale groundwater treatment site to exhibit their novel microbial growth control technique for the remediation of bioclogging and biofouling during decontamination processes.
Location
Tempe, ArizonaStart Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The pilot test showed that reductive dechlorination and chain elongation were highly effective at converting chlorinated compounds, reducing methane gas, and eliminating bioclogging. NSF CBBG has secured funding from industry partners to further research and deploy additional sites. The Center plans to foster relationships with new collaborators by expanding internationally.
Explanation/Background
NSF CBBG’s previous work had proven new techniques to support detoxification of trichloroethylene (TCE), decrease methane production, and minimal bioclogging. This phase of research focuses on chlorinates solvent bioremediation through aerobic cometabolism, reductive dechlorination, and chain elongation.
Dr. Anca Delgado and her research team partnered with Haley & Aldrich, a Massachusetts environmental and geotechnical consulting firm, to successfully deploy this technology at a Superfund site in California. This site suffered from bioclogging, produced excessive methane, and had accumulated chlorinated byproducts. The team’s novel microbial growth control technique proved highly effective at addressing all of these issues.