SBIR Phase II: In Situ Remediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Using Bioaugmentation

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目旨在开发和演示一种新的原位处理技术，用于销毁地下水中的甲基叔丁基醚(MTBE)。汽油添加剂MTBE是美国第二大地下水污染物，目前还没有从供水中去除它的经济技术。这项技术利用一种新的细菌--黄色嗜氢杆菌(ENV735)来修复MTBE。这种细菌是环境科学家最近分离出来的，是仅有的两种能够在MTBE上生长的细菌之一。将进行第二阶段实验：(1)评估细菌在地下的运动和分布；(2)开发一种粘附性缺失菌株，以改善含水层分布；以及(3)优化细菌的商业规模生长、运输和注入，以便现场应用。将进行现场演示，在现场条件下对该技术进行全面测试。ENV735的生物强化作为MTBE污染含水层的原位修复技术具有广阔的潜力。如果现场试验的结果是积极的，生物增强技术有望在短期内商业化。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project is designed to develop and demonstrate a new in situ treatment technology for the destruction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in groundwater. The gasoline additive MTBE is the second most prevalent groundwater contaminant in the United States, and there are currently no economical technologies for its removal from the water supply. This technology utilizes a novel bacterium of the species Hydrogenophaga flava (ENV735) for the remediation of MTBE. This bacterium, which was recently isolated by Envirogen scientists, is one of only two bacterial strains discovered that are capable of growth on MTBE. Phase II experiments will be conducted to: (1) assess the movement and distribution of the bacterium in the subsurface; (2) develop an adhesion-deficient strain for improved aquifer distribution; and (3) optimize commercial-scale growth, shipment, and injection of the bacterium for field application. A field demonstration will be conducted to fully test the technology under in situ conditions. The bioaugmentation with ENV735 has broad potential as an in situ remediation technology for MTBE-contaminated aquifers. If the results of the field trial are positive, commercialization of the bioaugmentation technology is anticipated in the short term.