Simulated reactive zone with emulsified vegetable oil for the long-term remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated aquifer: dynamic evolution of geological parameters and groundwater microbial community

Abstract

Cr(VI), which is highly toxic and soluble, is one of the most challenging groundwater contaminants. Previous work has indicated that emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) is an effective in situ amendment for removing Cr(VI) from groundwater. However, the spatial and temporal changes in geological parameters and microbial community structures throughout the remediation period are poorly understood. In this study, a large laboratory-scale sand-packed chamber (reactive zone of 100 × 50 × 30 cm) was used to simulate the bioremediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated aquifer by EVO over a 512-day period. Various geological parameters and microbial communities were monitored during both the establishment and remediation stages. The results indicate that several biogeochemical reactions occurred in a specific sequence following the injection of EVO, creating an acidic and reducing environment. A shift in the community structure and a decrease in the community diversity were observed. The abundance of microbes involved in the degradation of EVO and reduction of electron acceptors significantly increased. Then, the EVO reactive zone was flushed with Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater. Biogeochemical reactions were inhibited after the inflow of Cr(VI) and subsequently recovered a month later. The pH of the aquifer returned to the initial neutral condition (approximately 7.2). The EVO reactive zone could remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater at an efficiency exceeding 97% over 480 days. Biogeochemistry played a major role in the early period (0~75 days). In the later period (240~480 days), the remediation of Cr(VI) in the reactive zone depended mostly on bio-reduction by Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria.