Assessment of Intrinsic Biodegradation Potentials in an Aquifer Contaminated with Chlorinated Ethenes in the Vicinity of Nowa Deba

Abstract

Abstract Natural Attenuation (NA) in the case of groundwater contaminated with organic compounds relies mainly on intrinsic biodegradation processes. The aim of reliance on natural processes is to achieve site-specific cleanup objectives within reasonable time frames and costs. Such approach may be considered as a risk reduction/remedial option for groundwater contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE). This case study presents implementation of the US EPA’s guideline „Technical protocol for evaluating natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents in groundwater” to asses intrinsic biodegradation potentials in TCE and PCE contaminated groundwater in the vicinity of Nowa Deba waterworks (south-east Poland). Literature and field data collected from wells and piezometers were used to develop a conceptual model of contaminants’ fate and transport from a source to a receptor. The intrinsic biodegradation was investigated basing on available analytical parameters (eg concentrations of oxygen, nitrates, chlorides, and pH, TOC and temperature) that are considered as indicators of TCE and PCE transformation. Preliminary screening was done by giving certain points for these parameters, and interpreted in order to asses intrinsic biodegradation potentials. The results indicate inadequate evidence for intrinsic biodegradation (reductive dehalogention) of TCE and PCE, thus a limited potential for NA as a remedial/risk reduction option in the studied case, unless some measures for enhancement of TCE and PCE intrinsic biodegradation are applied.