Use of Stable-Isotope Probing to Demonstrate Biodegradation of Aniline and Nitrobenzene as Part of a Monitored Natural Attenuation Assessment

摘要

Background/Objectives. Acceptance of a monitored natural attenuation approach is commonly dependent on demonstration of several lines of evidence, including but not limited to, stable or decreasing groundwater plume size; appropriate biogeochemical conditions for physical, chemical, or biological attenuation; and specific demonstration of biodegradation of the target compound(s). Recent advances in environmental molecular diagnostics (EMDs) have made it possible to more directly evaluate and document biological processes responsible for constituent degradation in groundwater systems. These tools provide a novel data set that cannot be ascertained from traditional analytical techniques, and therefore offer unique insight into the subsurface microbial community. Specifically, use of an isotopically enriched target compound as part of a stable isotope probing (SIP) investigation can provide a definitive line of evidence of biodegradation of the target compound under given groundwater conditions.