Historic spillages of chlorinated hydrocarbons at a vinyl chloride plant (Rotterdam Botlek area in The Netherlands) have lead to contamination of the underlying aquifer. The principal contaminant is 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). The contamination is temporarily contained by a pump-and-treat system. A field trial was carried out to investigate the feasibility of treating the dissolved phase of 1,2-DCA via reductive dechlorination by injection of an aqueous solution of methanol, ammonium chloride and sodium chloride into the confined aquifer using an array of 8 boreholes. Biodegradation of 1,2-DCA was localised. This was attributed to limited mixing of the carbon substrate within the test zone. In addition, clogging of recharge wells complicated groundwater circulation.
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