This SBIR project proposes to develop a system for detoxifying contaminated groundwater using in-situ anaerobic bioremediation. The focus of the project will be the ability of multi-functional nano-powders to produce groundwater that supports effective in-situ anaerobic bioremediation. This improved method would use organic bio-amendments applied with anaerobic microbes to contaminated groundwater.
The broader/commercial impacts of the proposed project will be to treat contaminated groundwater in a more cost-effective manner. Halogenated hydrocarbons, perchlorate, and other toxic substances contaminate groundwater and threaten public water supplies. The slow natural attenuation of TCE and other toxic chemicals makes effective in-situ treatment that much more important. In-situ methods, where the contaminants are consumed underground, is lower cost than pump and treat options and is a more complete remediation solution.
The improper disposal or accidental release of toxic chemicals has contaminated groundwater at industrial and government facilities across the country. These chemicals include chlorinated compounds (previously used as degreasers or in dry cleaning), pesticides, chromium compounds, and chemicals used as rocket propellants. If these chemicals are introduced into the drinking water supply, public health is jeopardized including an increased cancer risk, damage to the kidneys and nervous system. Many of these chemicals are stable and if left untreated will persist for several years or decades. Accordingly, groundwater remediation is often mandated to remove these chemicals from groundwater and eliminate the associated public health risks. Of available groundwater remediation methods, bioremediation has emerged as a cost-effective and environmentally favorable technology. Bioremediation uses native bacteria that consume these toxic chemicals as a part of their metabolic process. However, these bacteria operate effectively only in a narrowly defined environment; oxygen-free, pH neutral, and with a food supply and nutrients. In the NSF research program, OnMaterials successfully developed and demonstrated new nanocrystalline materials that when added to contaminated groundwater produced a very fertile bioremediation environment. This product resulted in the rapid and complete elimination of toxic chemicals from affected groundwater in both laboratory and real-world field demonstrations.
