| Period: | 01.04.2005 - 31.03.2007 |
|---|---|
| Partner: | TZW Karlsruhe |
| Funder: | Arbeitsgemeinschaft industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen e.V. |
| Project Manager: | Dipl.-Ing. Dirk Becker |
| Research Group: | Electrochemistry |
Aims
The aim of this project is to develop a bioelectrochemical process for in situ degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons by microorganisms in contaminated groundwater. This is a typical example of an enhanced natural attenuation process. Hydrogen and oxygen, which stimulate the biodegradation processes of the microorganisms, are produced by electrolysis of the ground water. The anaerobic biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes is stimulated by hydrogen and the aerobic degradation by oxygen.
Working Plan
The bioelectrochemical process for in situ degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons like perchloro ethene by microorganisms in contaminated groundwater is a two-step process. In a first step the perchloro ethene and trichloro ethene will be dechlorated under anaerobic conditions. This process is stimulated by electrochemical-generated hydrogen at the cathode. In the next step the degradation products of the anaerobic degradation process like cis- dichloro ethene and vinyl chloride will be dechlorinated under aerobic conditions that will be stimulated by the generated oxygen at the anode.
Results
In an endurance test, the electrochemical stimulation of aerobic dechlorination of VC in the anode compartment of an electrochemical cell under flow-through conditions has been measured. During the electrolysis the VC concentration decreases and the chloride concentration increases due to a continuous increase in the population and activity of the microorganisms approaching a steady state after 5 days. By switching off the electrolysis, the activity of the microorganisms decreases. The sum of VC and Cl- is constant over the whole time.
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Das IGF-Vorhaben Nr. der Forschungsvereinigung DECHEMA e.V., Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25, 60486 Frankfurt am Main wurde über die AiF im Rahmen des Programms zur Förderung der industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert.
