Characterizing intrinsic bioremediation in a petroleum hydrocarbon- contaminated aquifer by combined chemical, isotopic, and biological analyses

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2000

Abstract

Chemical, isotopic, and biological parameters were evaluated over a 1-year period to characterize microbial processes associated with intrinsic bioremediation in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer located in Studen, Switzerland. Chemical parameters measured included oxidants such as O 2, NO 3 -, and SO 4 2-, reduced species such as Fe 2+ and CH 4, and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Stable carbon isotope analyses of DIC were used to differentiate between different processes that contribute to DIC production. Microbial populations were identified by sequence analysis of archaeal 16S rDNA and in situ hybridization using a general DNA binding dye (DAPI) and specific probes targeting the domain Archaea (Arch915) and Bacteria (Eub338), as well as the species Methanosaeta concilii (Rotcl1) and Methanospirillum sp. (Rotcl2). Groundwater exhibited reduced conditions and elevated concentrations of DIC within the contaminated zone. Spatially distinct values of δ 13C ranging from -16.51% to -4.44% were found, indicating the presence of different ongoing microbial processes. Detected microbial populations (% of DAPI-stained cells) within the contaminated zone belonged to Archaea (9 ± 2% to 31 ± 13%) and Bacteria (13 ± 3% to 32 ± 13%). In wells with methanogenic activity, Methanosaeta concilii accounted for up to 26% of all DAPI-detected microorganisms. These results demonstrate that this novel combination of chemical, isotopic, and biological analysis provides valuable insights that can be used for the characterization of microbial processes in contaminated aquifers. © 2000 by Battelle Memorial Institute.

Identifier

0342501763 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Bioremediation Journal

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1080/10889860091114301

e-ISSN

15476529

ISSN

10889868

First Page

359

Last Page

371

Issue

4

Volume

4

Fund Ref

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

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