Benzene and toluene biodegradation down gradient of a zero-valent iron permeable reactive barrier

This study simulated benzene and toluene biodegradation down gradient of a zero-valent iron permeable reactive barrier (ZVI PRB) that reduces trichloroethylene (TCE). The effects of elevated pH (10.5) and the presence of a common TCE dechlorination by product [cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE)] on benzene and toluene biodegradation were evaluated in batch experiments. The data suggest that alkaline pH (pH 10.5), often observed down gradient of ZVI PRBs, inhibits Fe(III)-mediated biotransformation of both benzene and toluene. Removal was reduced by 43% for benzene and 26% for toluene as compared to the controls. The effect of the addition of cis-1,2-DCE on benzene and toluene biodegradation was positive and resulted in removal that was greater than or equal to the controls. These results suggest that, at least for cis-1,2-DCE, its formation may not be toxic to iron-reducing benzene and toluene degrading bacteria; however, for microbial benzene and toluene removal down gradient of a ZVI PRB, it may be necessary to provide pH control, especially in the case of a biological PRB that is downstream from a ZVI PRB.