Biodegradation potential in the anaerobic chemical isolation layer and the near- surface aerobic zone of the sediments of a contaminated lake were evaluated. Biotrans- formation rates of contaminants of interest (COIs), namely benzene, toluene, ethylben- zene, and m-xylene (BTEX); chlorobenzene; 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-dichlorobenzenes; and naphthalene were determined in slurry experiments with sediments collected from the field. Sediment pore waters varied in pH, nutrients, and ionic strength with influences on biodegradation potential. The implications of the observed degradation rates for degrada- tion in the various layers of a cap were assessed and models were used to infer long-term protectiveness of the cap.
展开▼
