EPA Grant Number: R827015-01-0
Title: Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of Whole Gasoline
Investigators: Joseph Suflita
Institution: University of Oklahoma
EPA Project Officer: Bala Krishnan
Project Period: February 1, 1999 to January 31, 2000 (N/C Ext. to
February 28, 2001)
Project Amount: $130,036
Research Category: Intrinsic bioremediation/natural attenuation
Technical Abstract: The business practice of relying on intrinsic bioremediation for the removal of spilt gasoline hydrocarbons (HCs) in the environment is a major regulatory issue influencing Risk Based Corrective Action assessments. This proposal is designed to investigate the anaerobic biodegradation of whole gasoline, rather than individual components or classes of HCs. Specifically it will address I) the anaerobic removal of BTEX hydrocarbons in the presence of other HC co-contaminants, II) the influence of alternate electron acceptors on the processes identified under item I above, III) the prospects for the biodegradation of non-BTEX HCs, and IV) the development of biomarkers as indicators of anaerobic HC decay. To these ends, the project will monitor the consumption of electron acceptors and/or the production of metabolic endproducts (i.e. methane or hydrogen sulfide) as appropriate. This information will be coupled with information on the removal of potential electron donors through the simultaneous monitoring of approximately 100 HCs. The experiments will be interpreted relative to sterile, HC-unamended, and positive controls. The experiments will help define the limits associated with anaerobic gasoline bioremediation, provide an assessment of gasoline decay under realistic conditions, and allow for the development of new biomarker indications of the anaerobic intrinsic remediation of gasoline.