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Sequential Zero-Valent Iron/Biofiltration Treatment of Landfill Gases: Influence of Gas Composition on Biofiltration

EPA Grant Number: U914981
Title: Sequential Zero-Valent Iron/Biofiltration Treatment of Landfill Gases: Influence of Gas Composition on Biofiltration
Investigators: Taylor, Denise G.
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 2001
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996)
Research Category: Fellowship - Environmental Engineering , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry , Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

The objectives of this research project are to: (1) determine the effects of high methane, high carbon dioxide, and low oxygen concentrations on the activity of the selected bacterial culture toward the target compounds; (2) determine whether biodegradation can be maintained when oxygen is supplied only intermittently to the biofilter stage; and (3) examine zero-valent iron dehalogenation of a chlorinated solvent in the gas phase.

Approach:

This research project examines biodegradation under low oxygen conditions. Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 is used as a model bacterial strain to degrade chlorinated compounds from landfill gas without consumption of the methane (a potential fuel product). It is an aerobic organism, but the reaction of its hydrolytic dehalogenase enzyme and the substrate does not require molecular oxygen (Janssen, et al., 1994). X. autotrophicus GJ10 was grown aerobically in nutrient broth (Difco). Cells were harvested by centrifugation, resuspended in a media containing no carbon source under an atmosphere of 97 percent N2 and 3 percent H2. Serum bottles (160 mL) were inoculated with 25 mL of the cell suspension and sealed under anaerobic conditions. 1,2-DCA was added by injection. Oxygenated bottles were similarly prepared, but under ambient air. Killed controls also were prepared under anaerobic conditions, using an autoclaved cell suspension. Headspace samples of 100 L were removed to analyze for 1,2-DCA by gas chromatography. Degradation of 1,2-DCA was observed in the anaerobic bottles (85 percent removal in 5 hours). Killed controls did not show significant loss of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). The fastest loss of 1,2-DCA occurred in the aerobic bottles (98 percent removal in 5 hours).

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, zero-valent iron, biofiltration treatment, landfill gases, gas composition, biodegradation, dehalogenation, chlorinated solvents. , POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, air toxics, Chemicals, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Chemistry and Materials Science, Air Pollution Control, remediation, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), emission control strategies, removal, landfill gases, biofilter, emission control technologies, biofiltration systems, zero valent iron

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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