Practical Approach to the Design, Monitoring, and Optimization of the Situ MTBE Aerobic Biobarriers

摘要

This document presents a paradigm for the design, monitoring, and optimization of in situ methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) aerobic biobarriers. The technology discussed in this document is applied for the purposes of containing or preventing further migration of existing dissolved MTBE groundwater plumes, or for the purpose of eliminating future MTBE discharge to an aquifer at the down-gradient edge of an MTBE source zone. This design paradigm is based on experience gained while designing, monitoring, and optimizing pilot-scale and fullscale MTBE biobarrier systems most notably, the systems studied at the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) at Port Hueneme, CA. It is largely empirically- based, although the design approach does rely on simple engineering calculations. In addition, the document emphasizes gas injection-based oxygen delivery schemes, although it is acknowledged that there are other methods for delivering oxygen to aquifers.