A bio-reactive barrier sequence for petroleum hydrocarbon capture and degradation in low nutrient environments

Abstract

Sequenced permeable reactive barriers, containing materials for nutrient release and petroleum hydrocarbon adsorption, can promote biofilm formation and enhance biodegradation in low nutrient, cold environments. This study characterised the degree of biofilm formation and biodegradation of Antarctic diesel within laboratory scale permeable reactive barriers, containing ammonium exchanged zeolite for ammonium release onto a granular activated carbon bed. The adsorption of Antarctic diesel on the granular activated carbon bed resulted in low cell growth on the surface of the carbon, with biodegradation indices revealing limited access to and degradation of compounds adsorbed on the granular ac..