Field Demonstration of Biologically Active Zone Enhancement Using Acetate as a Sole Carbon Source for In Situ Reductive Transformation of RDX in Groundwater

Abstract

A field demonstration of acetate mediated biologically active zone enhancement (BAZE) for in situ reductive transformation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in groundwater was conducted at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant (NOP). The primary objectives of the field demonstration were to assess the potential of the BAZE process to remediate the RDX-contaminated groundwater, and to quantify the capital and operation/maintenance costs associated with the use of the BAZE process for in situ treatment of RDX contamination in groundwater. The study also delineated the effects of the BAZE process on subsurface biomass, and water quality parameters (metals mobilization, total organic compound, etc.). The results of this 20-month field study demonstrated that acetate is an excellent source of carbon capable of creating reduced conditions conducive for reductive transformation of RDX in groundwater. Over the period of demonstration, the background RDX concentration of about