Monitoring the Effects of Matrix Oxygen Injection System for the Biodegradation of MTBE

Overview

• Former release of BTEX and MTBE from a gasoline transfer line at a major oil storage facility in New York.

• Pump and Treat system was ineffective at reducing dissolved phase MTBE over a five year period.

• Matrix Environmental Technologies pressure swing adsorption oxygen generator that pulses in pure oxygen from multiple points was installed

Question

How effective will this oxygen injection system be at stimulating the microbial population to increase the rate of degradation of MTBE?
 
Analyses Requested:
           
            PLFA

Results:

• PLFA analysis showed that biomass content was 4 times higher in the plume sample receiving oxygen than in the plume sample not receiving oxygen

• PLFA profiles showed that both plume samples had higher proportions of Gram-negative Proteobacteria (typically involved in remediation of petroleum products due to their ability to utilize a wide range of carbon sources, adapt quickly to a variety of environments, and being a fast grower).

• Biomarkers found in anaerobic metal reducing bacteria were lower in the plume sample recieving the oxygen amendments (Control; 24.0% > Plume non-oxygenated; 3.0% > Plume oxygenated; 1.2%).

Answer:

Results from the PLFA analysis showed that the oxygen amendments were stimulating both biomass concentrations as well as a shift in the microbial community composition to a more aerobic population.