Biodegradation of chlorobenzene in a constructed wetland treating contaminated groundwater

Research output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/reportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mareike Braeckevelt - , Chair of Urban Water Management, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Hemal Rokadia - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Gabriele Mirschel - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Stefanie Weber - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Gwenael Imfeld - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Nicole Stelzer - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Peter Kuschk - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Matthias Kästner - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Hans H. Richnow - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)

Abstract

Monochlorobenzene (MCB) is an important groundwater contaminant world-wide. In this study, a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland with an integrated water compartment was fed with MCB contaminated groundwater originating from the local aquifer. Analysis of spatial concentration dynamics of MCB and oxygen was combined with isotope composition analysis of MCB for assessing in situ biodegradation. Removal of MCB was most effective in the upper layer of the soil filter, reaching up to 77.1%. Trace oxygen concentrations below 0.16 mg L-1 were observed throughout the wetland transect, suggesting a considerable limitation of aerobic microbial MCB degradation. Enrichment of 13C in the residual MCB fraction at increasing distance from the inflow point indicated microbial MCB degradation in the wetland. The observed isotope shift was higher than expected for aerobic MCB degradation and thus pointed out a significant contribution of an anaerobic degradation pathway to the overall biodegradation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWetland Systems for Water Pollution Control X
EditorsJ.M. Novais
Pages57-62
Number of pages6
Edition3
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesWater Science and Technology
Number3
Volume56
ISSN0273-1223

External IDs

PubMed 17802838
ORCID /0009-0001-5656-0053/work/145224079

Keywords

Keywords

  • Biodegradation, Carbon isotope fractionation, Constructed wetland, Monochlorobenzene, Oxygen