A Novel Permeable Barrier for Groundwater Bioremediation

描述（由申请人提供）：这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目建议在化学污染物混合物的环境生物修复领域使用一种新颖、高效的生物技术方法。研究人员建议通过使用一种称为生物渗透屏障（BPB）的创新且具有成本效益的技术（美国专利）来克服原位生物修复技术的一些缺点，例如生物增强或生物刺激。BPB技术使用经过驯化的微生物，用一种独特的聚合物基质封装，来降解污染物。在这项研究中，研究人员建议演示BPB技术在现场操作条件下生物降解TCE、高氯酸盐以及两者的混合物，使其成为无毒的最终产物。在实验室进行适当的可处理性研究（批量和柱式研究）之后，将在德克萨斯州Karnack的Longhorn陆军弹药厂的地下水污染区设计并安装现场试点研究，以证明其生物降解TCE和高氯酸盐污染物的有效性。当目标污染物通过基质进行代谢时，包裹在原位BPB反应器细胞中的细胞可以免受恶劣环境的影响。与传统的原位生物修复技术相比，BPB提供了许多优势，包括：(1)保护活细胞免受冲击污染物负荷和环境压力的影响，(2)增加单位体积的细菌质量，(3)同时共同处理几种污染物的能力，(4)可以设计为减少操作和管理的被动处理，(5)通过消除接触暴露，将对工人和公众的不利健康影响降至最低。目前的趋势和近期优先选择的处理方案是对大型场地的原位修复，本研究响应了这一趋势。从低成本和补救效果的角度来看，BPB概念代表了现有技术的“阶段性变化”。这项研究将提供一个机会来证明这项已经在实验室验证的技术在该领域的有效性。

Description (provided by applicant): This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project proposes the use of a novel, highly effective biotechnology approach in the area of environmental bioremediation for chemical contaminant mixtures. The investigators propose to overcome some of the disadvantages of in situ bioremediation techniques, such as bioaugmentation or biostimulation, by using an innovative and cost-effective technology called Biological Permeable Barrier (BPB) (U.S. patent). BPB technology uses acclimated microorganisms, encapsulated with an unique polymeric matrix, to degrade contaminants. For this research, the investigators propose to demonstrate BPB technology to biodegrade TCE, perchlorate, and a mixture of the two to non-toxic end products under field operating conditions. Following appropriate treatability studies in the laboratory (batch and column studies) a field pilot study will be designed to and installed in the groundwater contaminated zone at the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, TX to demonstrate its effectiveness to biodegrade TCE and perchlorate contaminants. The encapsulated cells embedded in situ BPB reactor cells are shielded from harsh surroundings while target pollutants flow through the matrix to be metabolized. BPB offers many advantages over traditional in situ bioremediation technologies, including: (1) protection of viable cells from shock contaminant loads and environmental stresses, (2) increased bacterial mass per unit volume, (3) the ability to cotreat several contaminants at the same time, (4) it can be designed as a passive treatment with reduced operation and management, and (5) it minimizes adverse health effects to workers and the public by eliminating contact exposure. Current trends and near-term priorities for selection of treatment alternatives are toward in situ remediation of large sites and this research responds to this trend. The BPB concept represents a "step-change" in available technologies from both a lower cost and remediation effectiveness perspective. This research will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of this already laboratory-proven technology in the field.