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ISBR: ENA measure, Krampnitz barracks

Remediation of a LCHC damage using ISBR (In-Situ Biological Reduction)
ISBR plant for stimulated microbial TCE degradation using molasses © ZUT
© ZUT
Place
Krampnitz barracks near Potsdam
Client
Public sector
Parameters
- Groundwater contamination: Σ LCHC up to 135,000 µg/l, of which 110,000 µg/l trichloroethene
- 9 infiltration wells with a flow rate of up to 0.4 m³/h each
- Oxygen content in infiltration water < 0.5 mg/l
Performance period
Since August 2024

Groundwater damage was detected on the site of a former laundry with an associated dry cleaning facility as a result of contamination by the pollutant trichloroethene (TCE). To remediate the damage, in-situ stimulation of the microbial degradation of CHCs is carried out. For this purpose, molasses is added as a readily available carbon source to stimulate the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene via the intermediate products dichloroethene and vinyl chloride to the end product ethene. The aim is to completely eliminate the chlorinated hydrocarbons and restore groundwater quality.

  • Injection level
    Injection level © ZUT
  • Bag filter to prevent the discharge of biomass
    Bag filter to prevent the discharge of biomass © ZUT

Insight into the system technology

For this purpose, molasses is continuously added to the pure water of an existing groundwater purification plant as an easily bioavailable carbon source. In a first process step, the water, which is almost completely saturated with oxygen, is fed into a bioreactor in which the dissolved oxygen is almost completely consumed by microbial respiration. This creates anaerobic conditions prior to infiltration, which are a basic prerequisite for reductive dechlorination.
Possible discharge of biomass from the bioreactor is prevented by a downstream sand filter and three bag filters connected in parallel. The carbon-containing, low-oxygen water is then infiltrated into the subsurface via nine infiltration wells. Each well is equipped with a control valve to ensure a defined infiltration rate and uniform distribution in the damaged area.

Special features

  • Bioreactor for the consumption of dissolved oxygen in the infiltration water.
  • Gravel filter and bag filter connected in parallel to minimize biomass discharge.
  • Fully automated and remote access
  • Individual adjustment of the infiltration rates of each well
  • Volumetric flow proportional dosing of molasses

Scope of services

  • Construction of approx. 300 m of pipeline trenches and laying of corresponding pipelines, power and control lines
  • Equipping and connecting 9 infiltration wells
  • Construction and operation of the ENA plant Analytical self-monitoring