Investigation of Perchlorate, Chlorate, and Nitrate Biodegradation in Contaminated Groundwater and Sediments in Packed Bed Bioreactors Using a Slow-Release Carbon, Evaluation of Carbon Source Sorption and Elution into/from Sediments

The objective of this study is to mimic actual site conditions to promote biodegradation of ClO-4 NO3-, and ClO3-) using Emulsified Vegetable Oil (EVO) as a carbon source, and the addition of nutrients in contaminated groundwater and coarse sediments in packed bed bioreactors under downward flow condition. Additionally, the elution rate of EVO from coarse sediments in the packed bed columns were investigated to determine amounts and frequencies of applications. The microbial analyses were conducted to investigate the bacteria diversity in the sediments and groundwater after biodegradation of contaminants were completed.