ARGUS Umweltbiotechnologie GmbH © 2024 ARGUS Umweltbiotechnologie GmbH ServicesCase study_Biological In-Situ Remedation Complex contamination of the groundwater aquifer, including BTEX, Chlorobenzene, Semi-Volatile Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (SVCH) and Organochloropesticides, was discovered within a subarea of a pharmaceutical company. Using infiltration of a nutrient solution, consisting of saltpeter, phosphoric acid and purified groundwater, offset with hydrogen peroxide, the existing microorganism population within the subsurface was then stimulated to assist in the breakdown of contaminants. Infiltration was carried out continuously through 6 groundwater wells with varying dimensions, with injection rates of 0.4 - 1.5 m³/h per well using a redundantly covered, fully automatic, SPS-controlled, remotely-monitored dosing station. The usage of strong acids and bases required high specifications for work protection and the applied materials. Over the 2 years of operation, a total of 73 000 m³ of nutrient solution was infiltrated, including 16 t saltpeter, 10 t phosphoric acid and 53 t hydrogen peroxide. A comprehensive monitoring program provided data for the regulation of nutrient-dosage. In this time, contaminant concentrations in the most-highly impacted well sank, as illustrated in the following table. Contaminant Concentrations: Microbiological saturation of the soil zone was disqualified as a result of subsequent investigations. Dosing stations with redundant pump systems Depot for acids and leaches 59 88 213 Organochloropesticides 48 452 868 SVCH 94 311 4.976 Monochlorobenzene 94 555 8.775 BTEX Contaminat Beginning of Treatment in µg/l After 2 Years in µg/l Remediation Performance in % |