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Bioventing pilot test results at the low point drain area, Offutt AFB, Nebraska
F T Werner1, J E Walters, G B Keefer
1Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27531, USA. werner@ces4.seymour johnson.af.mil
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 24, 1998
Summary
Bioventing effectively remediated hydrocarbon contamination at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. This pilot test demonstrated minimal costs and significant reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Bioremediation
- Soil Science
Background:
- Hydrocarbon contamination at the LPD site, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, required remediation.
- Preliminary tests confirmed sufficient contamination and suitable soil conditions for bioventing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the application of bioventing technology at the LPD site.
- To present results from a 15-month bioventing pilot test.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a 15-month bioventing pilot test.
- Performed in situ respiration tests over six months.
- Analyzed soil samples for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and BTEX concentrations.
Main Results:
- Confirmed reduction in TPH and BTEX concentrations, indicating near-complete remediation.
- Observed ongoing biological activity and progress in reducing contaminant levels.
- Identified reduced biodegradation near monitoring points (MPB) potentially due to high water tables and reduced airflow.
Conclusions:
- Bioventing proved effective in subsurface TPH and BTEX reduction at the LPD site.
- The technology demonstrated minimal installation, operation, and maintenance costs.
- The successful pilot test led to additional bioventing applications at Offutt AFB.