The proposed research will develop an in situ process which will enhance the rate and efficiency associated with the biodegradation of hydrophobic organic chemicals at military installations and Superfund sites. Research activities will focus on identification of chemical or biological emulsifiers (surfactants) which will enhance the bio-availability of such petrogenic wastes as creosote, coal tars, town gas wastes, and thus enhance the biodegradation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the enhanced degradation of recalcitrant and/or highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as pyrene and/or benzo(a) pyrene. An optimized system for surfactant production and in situ biodegradation of PAHs will be developed. Factors such as compound mobilization versus biodegradation, oxygen and nutrient demands, as well as rate and efficiency data for PAH biodegradation will be defined. Information will be developed in a phased approach. Phase I will identify a process which enhances biodegradation rates of the targeted compounds through increased bio-availability. Phase II will optimize the parameters needed to field-evaluate the process. Parameters include use of consistent organisms, chemical emulsifiers and rates of biodegradation. Successful application of this technology will reduce the cost of cleanup of Superfund sites contaminated with PAHs.
