SEDL / STP / STP1282-EB / STP16579S

Utilization of Soil Gas Monitoring to Determine Feasibility and Effectiveness of In Situ Bioventing in Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils

Frishmuth, RA
Civil engineers, Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., Denver, CO

Ratz, JW
Civil engineers, Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., Denver, CO

Hall, JF
Civil engineers, Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., Denver, CO

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1996

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Abstract

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of in situ bioventing, careful monitoring of soil gas chemistry is essential. Prior to design of a bioventing system, initial soil gas surveys should be performed. Concentrations of three constituents, oxygen (O²), carbon dioxide (CO²), and total volatile hydrocarbons (TVH), are used in bioventing design. TVH are an indicator of contaminant distribution; O² and CO² are indicators of biodegradation activity. Analysis of soil gas data collected during pilot-scale testing is the primary design basis for full-scale remediation systems. Biodegradation rates determined from respiration tests are used to estimate the length of time that a system will have to operate to remediate the contamination. Air permeability of the soil, calculated from permeability testing, determines the number and spacing of air injection wells that will be required to ensure adequate oxygen influence through the entire contaminated area.