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Skinner J, Delgado AG, Hyman M, Chu MYJ. Implementation of in situ aerobic cometabolism for groundwater treatment: State of the knowledge and important factors for field operation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171667. [PMID: 38485017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In situ aerobic cometabolism of groundwater contaminants has been demonstrated to be a valuable bioremediation technology to treat many legacy and emerging contaminants in dilute plumes. Several well-designed and documented field studies have shown that this technology can concurrently treat multiple contaminants and reach very low cleanup goals. Fundamentally different from metabolism-based biodegradation of contaminants, microorganisms that cometabolically degrade contaminants do not obtain sufficient carbon and energy from the degradation process to support their growth and require an exogenous growth supporting primary substrate. Successful applications of aerobic cometabolic treatment therefore require special considerations beyond conventional in situ bioremediation, such as competitive inhibition between growth-supporting primary substrate(s) and contaminant non-growth substrates, toxic effects resulting from contaminant degradation, and differences in microbial population dynamics exhibited by biostimulated indigenous consortia versus bioaugmentation cultures. This article first provides a general review of microbiological factors that are likely to affect the rate of aerobic cometabolic biodegradation. We subsequently review fourteen well documented field-scale aerobic cometabolic bioremediation studies and summarize the underlying microbiological factors that may affect the performance observed in these field studies. The combination of microbiological and engineering principles gained from field testing leads to insights and recommendations on planning, design, and operation of an in situ aerobic cometabolic treatment system. With a vision of more aerobic cometabolic treatments being considered to tackle large, dilute plumes, we present several novel topics and future research directions that can potentially enhance technology development and foster success in implementing this technology for environmental restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Skinner
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, 650 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; Andrews Engineering, Inc., 3300 Ginger Creek Drive, Springfield, IL 62711, USA
| | - Anca G Delgado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, 650 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Michael Hyman
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Thomas Hall 4545, 112 Derieux Place, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Min-Ying Jacob Chu
- Haley & Aldrich Inc., 400 E Van Buren St, Ste 545, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
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Rolston H, Hyman M, Semprini L. Single-well push-pull tests evaluating isobutane as a primary substrate for promoting in situ cometabolic biotransformation reactions. Biodegradation 2022; 33:349-371. [PMID: 35553282 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-022-09987-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A series of single-well push-pull tests (SWPPTs) were performed to investigate the efficacy of isobutane (2-methylpropane) as a primary substrate for in situ stimulation of microorganisms able to cometabolically transform common groundwater contaminants, such as chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D). In biostimulation tests, the disappearance of isobutane relative to a nonreactive bromide tracer indicated an isobutane-utilizing microbial community rapidly developed in the aquifer around the test well. SWPPTs were performed as natural drift tests with first-order rates of isobutane consumption ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 day-1. Because groundwater contaminants were not present at the demonstration site, isobutene (2-methylpropene) was used as a nontoxic surrogate to demonstrate cometabolic activity in the subsurface after biostimulation. The transformation of isobutene to isobutene epoxide (2-methyl-1,2-epoxypropane) illustrates the epoxidation process previously shown for common groundwater contaminants after cometabolic transformation by alkane-utilizing bacteria. The rate and extent of isobutene consumption and the formation and transformation of isobutene epoxide were greater in the presence of isobutane, with no evidence of primary substrate inhibition. Modeled concentrations of isobutane-utilizing biomass in microcosms constructed with groundwater collected before and after each SWPPT offered additional evidence that the isobutane-utilizing microbial community was stimulated in the aquifer. Experiments in groundwater microcosms also demonstrated that the isobutane-utilizing bacteria stimulated in the subsurface could cometabolically transform a mixture of co-substrates including isobutene, 1,1-dichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and 1,4-D with the same co-substrate preferences as the bacterium Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC strain 21198 after growth on isobutane. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of isobutane as primary substrate for stimulating in situ cometabolic activity and the use of isobutene as surrogate to investigate in situ cometabolic reactions catalyzed by isobutane-stimulated bacteria.
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Han K, Hong U, Park S, Kwon S, Kim Y. In situ field method for evaluating biodegradation potential of BTEX by indigenous heterotrophic denitrifying microorganisms in a BTEX-contaminated fractured-rock aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2021; 42:1326-1335. [PMID: 31524076 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1668482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Generally different anaerobic degradation potentials for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) has been reported due to site specific conditions, such as the indigenous microbial population, electron acceptors (EA) available and concentrations of each BTEX compound. It was of interest to estimate relative biodegradation potential of each BTEX compound during enhanced anaerobic bioremediation of a BTEX-contaminated aquifer. In this study, an in situ method for assessing the degradation potentials of each BTEX compound present as a mixture under NO3-injecting conditions by performing a series of single-well push-pull tests and well-to-well tests (WWTs) was developed. During the 1st and 2nd WWTs, biological heterotrophic dissimilative NO3- denitrification was confirmed by simultaneous detection of both NO2- and N2O and significant production of CO2 during the NO3- degradation. The biodegradation fractions of NO3- injected during the 1st and 2nd WWTs were 1.7% and 5.0%, respectively, with 7.18 and 8.85 mmol N/L/day of in situ zero-order denitrification rate coefficients. The concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes measured were similar to values calculated when considering only dilution, but the measured concentrations of toluene were significantly lower than the values calculated were. These results indicate that in situ method presented in the study successfully evaluate anaerobic biodegradation potential of individual BTEX compounds by indigenous heterotrophic denitrifying microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjin Han
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Uijeon Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
- KE Tech Incorporated, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhwa Park
- National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyoul Kwon
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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Taylor AE, Bottomley PJ, Semprini L. Contrasting growth properties of Nocardioides JS614 on threedifferent vinyl halides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:1859-1867. [PMID: 29297101 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ethene (ETH)-grown inocula of Nocardioides JS614 grow on vinyl chloride (VC), vinyl fluoride (VF), or vinyl bromide (VB) as the sole carbon and energy source, with faster growth rates and higher cell yields on VC and VF than on VB. However, whereas acetate-grown inocula of JS614 grow on VC and VF after a lag period, growth on VB did not occur unless supplemental ethene oxide (EtO) was present in the medium. Despite inferior growth on VB, the maximum rate of VB consumption by ETH-grown cells was ~ 50% greater than the rates of VC and VF consumption, but Br- release during VB consumption was non-stoichiometric with VB consumption (~ 66%) compared to 100% release of Cl- and F- during VC and VF consumption. Evidence was obtained for VB turnover-dependent toxicity of cell metabolism in JS614 with both acetate-dependent respiration and growth being significantly reduced by VB turnover, but no VC or VF turnover-dependent toxicity of growth was detected. Reduced growth rate and cell yield of JS614 on VB probably resulted from a combination of inefficient metabolic processing of the highly unstable VB epoxide (t0.5 = 45 s), accompanied by growth inhibitory effects of VB metabolites on acetate-dependent metabolism. The exact role(s) of EtO in promoting growth of alkene repressed JS614 on VB remains unresolved, with evidence of EtO inducing epoxide consuming activity prior to an increase in alkene oxidizing activity and supplementing reductant supply when VB is the growth substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Taylor
- Department of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA. .,Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA. .,Department of Crop and Soil Science, 3017 ALS Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Peter J Bottomley
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Lewis Semprini
- Department of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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Frascari D, Zanaroli G, Danko AS. In situ aerobic cometabolism of chlorinated solvents: a review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 283:382-399. [PMID: 25306537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The possible approaches for in situ aerobic cometabolism of aquifers and vadose zones contaminated by chlorinated solvents are critically evaluated. Bioaugmentation of resting-cells previously grown in a fermenter and in-well addition of oxygen and growth substrate appear to be the most promising approaches for aquifer bioremediation. Other solutions involving the sparging of air lead to satisfactory pollutant removals, but must be integrated by the extraction and subsequent treatment of vapors to avoid the dispersion of volatile chlorinated solvents in the atmosphere. Cometabolic bioventing is the only possible approach for the aerobic cometabolic bioremediation of the vadose zone. The examined studies indicate that in situ aerobic cometabolism leads to the biodegradation of a wide range of chlorinated solvents within remediation times that vary between 1 and 17 months. Numerous studies include a simulation of the experimental field data. The modeling of the process attained a high reliability, and represents a crucial tool for the elaboration of field data obtained in pilot tests and for the design of the full-scale systems. Further research is needed to attain higher concentrations of chlorinated solvent degrading microbes and more reliable cost estimates. Lastly, a procedure for the design of full-scale in situ aerobic cometabolic bioremediation processes is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Frascari
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulio Zanaroli
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anthony S Danko
- Geo-Environmental and Resources Research Center, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Gieg LM, Alumbaugh RE, Field J, Jones J, Istok JD, Suflita JM. Assessing in situ rates of anaerobic hydrocarbon bioremediation. Microb Biotechnol 2011; 2:222-33. [PMID: 21261916 PMCID: PMC3815842 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7915.2008.00081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying metabolites associated with anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation is a reliable way to garner evidence for the intrinsic bioremediation of problem contaminants. While such metabolites have been detected at numerous sites, the in situ rates of anaerobic hydrocarbon decay remain largely unknown. Yet, realistic rate information is critical for predicting how long individual contaminants will persist and remain environmental threats. Here, single‐well push–pull tests were conducted at two fuel‐contaminated aquifers to determine the in situ biotransformation rates of a suite of hydrocarbons added as deuterated surrogates, including toluene‐d8, o‐xylene‐d10, m‐xylene‐d10, ethylbenzene‐d5 (or ‐d10), 1, 2, 4‐trimethylbenzene‐d12, 1, 3, 5‐trimethylbenzene‐d12, methylcyclohexane‐d14 and n‐hexane‐d14. The formation of deuterated fumarate addition and downstream metabolites was quantified and found to be somewhat variable among wells in each aquifer, but generally within an order of magnitude. Deuterated metabolites formed in one aquifer at rates that ranged from 3 to 50 µg l−1 day−1, while the comparable rates at another aquifer were slower and ranged from 0.03 to 15 µg l−1 day−1. An important observation was that the deuterated hydrocarbon surrogates were metabolized in situ within hours or days at both sites, in contrast to many laboratory findings suggesting that long lag periods of weeks to months before the onset of anaerobic biodegradation are typical. It seems clear that highly reduced conditions are not detrimental to the intrinsic bioremediation of fuel‐contaminated aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Gieg
- Department of Botany and Microbiology and Institute for Energy and Environment, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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Rivett MO, Wealthall GP, Dearden RA, McAlary TA. Review of unsaturated-zone transport and attenuation of volatile organic compound (VOC) plumes leached from shallow source zones. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2011; 123:130-156. [PMID: 21316792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Reliable prediction of the unsaturated zone transport and attenuation of dissolved-phase VOC (volatile organic compound) plumes leached from shallow source zones is a complex, multi-process, environmental problem. It is an important problem as sources, which include solid-waste landfills, aqueous-phase liquid discharge lagoons and NAPL releases partially penetrating the unsaturated zone, may persist for decades. Natural attenuation processes operating in the unsaturated zone that, uniquely for VOCs includes volatilisation, may, however, serve to protect underlying groundwater and potentially reduce the need for expensive remedial actions. Review of the literature indicates that only a few studies have focused upon the overall leached VOC source and plume scenario as a whole. These are mostly modelling studies that often involve high strength, non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) sources for which density-induced and diffusive vapour transport is significant. Occasional dissolved-phase aromatic hydrocarbon controlled infiltration field studies also exist. Despite this lack of focus on the overall problem, a wide range of process-based unsaturated zone - VOC research has been conducted that may be collated to build good conceptual model understanding of the scenario, particularly for the much studied aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). In general, the former group is likely to be attenuated in the unsaturated zone due to their ready aerobic biodegradation, albeit with rate variability across the literature, whereas the fate of the latter is far less likely to be dominated by a single mechanism and dependent upon the relative importance of the various attenuation processes within individual site - VOC scenarios. Analytical and numerical modelling tools permit effective process representation of the whole scenario, albeit with potential for inclusion of additional processes - e.g., multi-mechanistic sorption phase partitioning, and provide good opportunity for further sensitivity analysis and development to practitioner use. There remains a significant need to obtain intermediate laboratory-scale and particularly field-scale (actual site and controlled release) datasets that address the scenario as a whole and permit validation of the available models. Integrated assessment of the range of simultaneous processes that combine to influence leached plume generation, transport and attenuation in the unsaturated zone is required. Component process research needs are required across the problem scenario and include: the simultaneous volatilisation and dissolution of source zones; development of appropriate field-scale dispersion estimates for the unsaturated zone; assessment of transient VOC exchanges between aqueous, vapour and sorbed phases and their influence upon plume attenuation; development of improved field methods to recognise and quantify biodegradation of CAHs; establishment of the influence of co-contaminants; and, finally, translation of research findings into more robust practitioner practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Rivett
- Water Sciences Group, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Co-metabolic degradation of dimethoate by Raoultella sp. X1. Biodegradation 2008; 20:363-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-008-9227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Azizian MF, Istok JD, Semprini L. Evaluation of the in-situ aerobic cometabolism of chlorinated ethenes by toluene-utilizing microorganisms using push-pull tests. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2007; 90:105-24. [PMID: 17101190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2006.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Revised: 07/28/2006] [Accepted: 09/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A series of transport, biostimulation, and activity push-pull tests were performed under induced and natural gradient conditions in a trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-dichloroethene (c-DCE) contaminated aquifer. Transport tests demonstrated the feasibility of injecting and recovering complex solute mixtures from the aquifer. During the biostimulation tests, decreases in toluene concentration and the production of o-cresol as an intermediate oxidation product indicated the presence of toluene-utilizing microorganisms. Activity tests demonstrated that the stimulated microbial community had the ability to transform injected c-DCE and trans-dichloroethene (t-DCE) at similar zero-order rates. Injected isobutene was oxidized to isobutene oxide, which indicated that a toluene ortho-monooxygenase enzyme system was likely responsible for the observed c-DCE and t-DCE transformations. c-DCE zero-order transformation rates in drift push-pull tests were similar to those obtained from traditional push-pull tests (about 0.1 microM/h). Analysis of drift test data using first-order kinetic analysis resulted in similar conclusions as those obtained using zero-order kinetic analyses. When 1-butyne, an inhibitor of toluene ortho-monooxygenase, was added to injected test solutions, the oxidation of toluene, and the transformation of isobutene, c-DCE, and t-DCE were inhibited. The results illustrate how a series of push-pull tests can be used in combination to detect, quantify and confirm in-situ cometabolic microbial transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad F Azizian
- Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, 220 Owen Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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van Beilen JB, Funhoff EG. Alkane hydroxylases involved in microbial alkane degradation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 74:13-21. [PMID: 17216462 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-006-0748-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 11/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the role and distribution in the environment of alkane hydroxylases and their (potential) applications in bioremediation and biocatalysis. Alkane hydroxylases play an important role in the microbial degradation of oil, chlorinated hydrocarbons, fuel additives, and many other compounds. Environmental studies demonstrate the abundance of alkane degraders and have lead to the identification of many new species, including some that are (near)-obligate alkanotrophs. The availability of a growing collection of alkane hydroxylase gene sequences now allows estimations of the relative abundance of the different enzyme systems and the distribution of the host organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan B van Beilen
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale, Le Biophore, Quartier Sorge, Université de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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