Transformation of Monoaromatic hydrocarbons to organic acids in anoxic groundwater environment

Environmental Geology and Water Sciences
By: , and 

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Abstract

The transformation of benzene and a series of alkylbenzenes was studied in anoxic groundwater of a shallow glacial-outwash aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota, U.S.A. Monoaromatic hydrocarbons, the most water-soluble components of crude oil, were transported downgradient of an oil spill, forming a plume of contaminated groundwater. Organic acids that were not original components of the oil were identified in the anoxic groundwater. The highest concentrations of these oxidized organic compounds were found in the anoxic plume where a decrease in concentrations of structurally related alkylbenzenes was observed. These results suggest that biological transformation of benzene and alkylbenzenes to organic acid intermediates may be an important attenuation process in anoxic environments. The transformation of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons to a series of corresponding oxidation products in an anoxic subsurface environment provides new insight into in situ anaerobic degradation processes. 

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Transformation of Monoaromatic hydrocarbons to organic acids in anoxic groundwater environment
Series title Environmental Geology and Water Sciences
DOI 10.1007/BF01890379
Volume 16
Issue 2
Year Published 1990
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 7 p.
First page 135
Last page 141
Country United States
State Minnesota
City Bemidji
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