Assessing field-scale biogeophysical signatures of bioremediation over a mature crude oil spill
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Abstract
We conducted electrical geophysical measurements at the National Crude Oil Spill Fate and Natural Attenuation Research Site (Bemidji, MN). Borehole and surface self-potential measurements do not show evidence for the existence of a biogeobattery mechanism in response to the redox gradient resulting from biodegradation of oil. The relatively small self potentials recorded are instead consistent with an electrodiffusion mechanism driven by differences in the mobility of charge carriers associated with biodegradation byproducts. Complex resistivity measurements reveal elevated electrical conductivity and interfacial polarization at the water table where oil contamination is present, extending into the unsaturated zone. This finding implies that the effect of microbial cell growth/attachment, biofilm formation, and mineral weathering accompanying hydrocarbon biodegradation on complex interfacial conductivity imparts a sufficiently large electrical signal to be measured using field-scale geophysical techniques.
Study Area
Publication type | Conference Paper |
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Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
Title | Assessing field-scale biogeophysical signatures of bioremediation over a mature crude oil spill |
Chapter | B-9 |
ISBN | 978-0-9819730-4-3 |
Year Published | 2011 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Battelle Memorial Institute |
Publisher location | Columbus, OH |
Contributing office(s) | OGW Branch of Geophysics, Office of Ground Water, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
Description | 9 p. |
Larger Work Type | Book |
Larger Work Subtype | Conference publication |
Larger Work Title | Proceedings of the first international symposium on bioremediation and sustainable environmental technologies |
Conference Title | First international symposium on bioremediation and sustainable environmental technologies |
Conference Location | Reno, NV |
Conference Date | June 27-30, 2011 |
Country | United States |
State | Minnesota |
City | Bemidji |
Other Geospatial | National Crude Oil Spill Fate and Natural Attenuation Research Site |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |