Biodegradation
Updating the Concepts of Control for Microbial Cleanup in Contaminated Aquifers
Rainer U. Meckenstock
Martin Elsner
Christian Griebler
Tillmann Lueders
Christine Stumpp
Jens Aamand
Spiros N. Agathos
Hans-Jorgen Albrechtsen
Leen Bastiaens
Poul L. Bjerg
Nico Boon
Winnie Dejonghe
Wei E. Huang
Susanne I. Schmidt
Erik Smolders
Sebastian R. Sorensen
Dirk Springael
Boris M. van Breukelen (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
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Abstract
Biodegradation is one of the most favored and sustainable means of removing organic pollutants from contaminated aquifers but the major steering factors are still surprisingly poorly understood. Growing evidence questions some of the established concepts for control of biodegradation. Here, we critically discuss classical concepts such as the thermodynamic redox zonation, or the use of steady state transport scenarios for assessing biodegradation rates. Furthermore, we discuss if the absence of specific degrader populations can explain poor biodegradation. We propose updated perspectives on the controls of biodegradation in contaminant plumes. These include the plume fringe concept, transport limitations, and transient conditions as currently underestimated processes affecting biodegradation.
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