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

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Hydrogeology

Background:

• Petroleum product releases cause significant groundwater contamination.
• Existing studies often focus on natural attenuation or lab-scale bioremediation.
• A need exists for advanced modeling of in situ bioremediation in complex environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated numerical and physical modeling system for enhanced in situ biodegradation (EISB).
• To simulate three-dimensional multiphase multicomponent flow and transport coupled with EISB.
• To validate the system using a pilot-scale physical model for site remediation.

Main Methods:

• Developed an integrated numerical and physical modeling system.
• Simulated three-dimensional multiphase multicomponent flow and transport.
• Utilized a pilot-scale physical model for validation.

Main Results:

• The developed system effectively models the enhanced in situ biodegradation (EISB) process.
• The pilot-scale physical model demonstrated efficacy for natural attenuation and EISB.
• Simulation results confirmed the system's capability in modeling complex contaminant transport and degradation.

Conclusions:

• The integrated modeling system is effective for simulating EISB processes.
• The system can be utilized to investigate uncertainties in site remediation.
• This approach advances the understanding and application of bioremediation for petroleum-contaminated groundwater.