Moderate Bioclogging Leading to Preferential Flow Paths in Biobarriers

Abstract

AbstractPermeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are an alternative technique for the biological in situ remediation of ground water contaminants. Nutrient supply via injection well galleries is supposed to support a high microbial activity in these barriers but can ultimately lead to changes in the hydraulic conductivity of the biobarrier due to the accumulation of biomass in the aquifer. This effect, called bioclogging, would limit the remediation efficiency of the biobarrier. To evaluate the effects bioclogging can have on the flow field of a PRB, flow cell experiments were carried out in the laboratory using glass beads as a porous medium. Two types of flow cells were used: a 20‐ × 1‐ × 1‐cm cell simulating a single injection well in a one‐dimensional flow field and a 20‐ × 10‐ × 1‐cm cell simulating an injection well gallery in a two‐dimensional flow field. A mineral medium was injected to promote microbial growth. Results of 9 d of continuous operation showed that conditions, which led to a moderate (50%) reduction of the hydraulic conductivity of the one‐dimensional cell, led to a preferential flow pattern within the simulated barrier in the two‐dimensional flow field (visualized by a tracer dye). The bioclogging leading to this preferential flow pattern did not change the hydraulic conductivity of the biobarrier as a whole but resulted in a reduced residence time of water within barrier. The biomass distribution measured after 9 d was consistent with the observed clogging effects showing step spatial gradients between clogged and unclogged regions.