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的、高效的生物技术方法。研究人员建议通过使用一种名为生物渗透屏障(BPB)的创新且经济高效的技术(美国专利)来克服原位生物修复技术的一些缺点，如生物增强或生物刺激。BPB技术使用驯化的微生物，包裹着独特的聚合物基质，以降解污染物。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将三氯乙烯、高氯酸盐和这两种物质的混合物生物降解到无毒的最终产品。在实验室进行适当的可处理性研究(批次和立柱研究)之后，将设计一项现场试点研究，以在德克萨斯州卡纳克的长角陆军弹药厂的地下水污染区安装，以证明其生物降解三氯乙烯和高氯酸盐污染物的有效性。当目标污染物流经基质进行代谢时，包埋在原位BPB反应器中的被包裹的细胞被屏蔽在恶劣环境中。与传统的原位生物修复技术相比，BPB具有许多优势，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)能够同时处理几种污染物，(4)可以设计为被动处理，减少操作和管理，以及(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。当前的趋势和近期优先选择的处理替代方案是朝着就地修复大型场地的方向发展，这项研究回应了这一趋势。从更低的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经过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.