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2006 Progress Report: Utilization of the Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Individual Compounds in Refined Hydrocarbon Products To Monitor Their Fate in the Environment
EPA Grant Number: R830633C005Alternative EPA Grant Number: R827015C032
Subproject: this is subproject number 005 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R830633
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: IPEC University of Tulsa (TU)
Center Director: Sublette, Kerry L.
Title: Utilization of the Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Individual Compounds in Refined Hydrocarbon Products To Monitor Their Fate in the Environment
Investigators: Philp, R. Paul , Kuder, Tomasz
Institution: University of Oklahoma
EPA Project Officer: Krishnan, Bala S.
Project Period: September 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006 (Extended to August 31, 2007)
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: Refer to main center abstract for funding details.
RFA: Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium (IPEC) (1999)
Research Category: Targeted Research
Description:
Objective:Progress of the last year of the project will be discussed using the framework of objectives defined in the proposal.
- Verification of the hypothesis that degradation is the primary factor leading to isotopic fractionation in the field.
- Verification of the hypothesis that stable isotopes provide both positive and negative evidence of biodegradation.
- A database of isotope fractionation by available microbial cultures, primarily of MTBE degraders (and as applicable – TBA and other gasoline compounds).
- A database of stable isotopic composition (carbon and hydrogen) of MTBE, TBA and other gasoline compounds (reference for data interpretation).
- A set of case studies of contaminated sites, primarily on MTBE and TBA, but ultimately on other gasoline-range contaminants.
- Development of a commercially viable method for site characterization based on the stable isotope values and trends observed in the results obtained from this study.
Activities in year 2006 were primarily focused on analyzing carbon and hydrogen isotope composition of gasoline components (Objective 4) and on the study of isotope fractionation (determination of enrichment factors) in MTBE-degrading anaerobic cultures (Objective 3). A number of field sites, with oxygenate and benzene contaminant plumes has been sampled and evaluated by CSIA. Finally, experiments of abiotic (non-degradative) fractionation have been initiated to determine the potential of isotopic interferences from volatilization-related attenuation processes.
Objective 1 – Verification of the hypothesis that degradation is the primary factor leading to isotopic fractionation in the field
As described in our proposal, the two non-degradation factors potentially leading to isotope effects are sorption and volatilization. A recent publication in the field (Carbon Isotope Fractionation of Organic Contaminants Due to Retardation on Humic Substances: Implications for Natural Attenuation Studies in Aquifers; Frank-Dieter Kopinke, Anett Georgi, Michael Voskamp, and Hans H. Richnow, 2005, Environemntal Sci. Tech., 39, 6052 - 6062) provides a good base to understand the significance of sorption in isotope fractionation of contaminants. The basic conclusion from their work is that the contribution of sorption to the net isotope effect is negligible.
A lab study on the volatilization-related isotope effects has been initiated in the second year of the project. A conceptual model of volatilization of MTBE involves a cumulative effect of phase equilibria and of diffusive/advective venting of the gas phase. Volatilization-related isotope effects are similarly complex and experiments have been set up to measure both the individual components and the net fractionation. Equilibrium fractionation of carbon and hydrogen isotopes has been measured for simple 2-phase systems: water-air, water-NAPL and NAPL-air. Kinetic fractionation associated with diffusion of MTBE vapor through a porous medium has been also determined. Sediment column experiments on passive volatilization of MTBE from aqueous and NAPL phase have been completed. The latter involve complex isotope effects, resulting from a combination of phase equilibria and vapor diffusion.
Objective 2 – Verification of the hypothesis that stable isotopes provide both positive and negative evidence of biodegradation
In continuation of the early work on the effects of well purging on the obtained CSIA results, an experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of sampling strategy on the outcome of CSIA. While MTBE biodegradation may locally reduce MTBE concentration and cause a corresponding isotopic effect, the water recovered from the radius of a monitoring well can be dominated by the parts of the plume with limited or no biodegradation. CSIA performed on such a sample would be inconclusive. Pre-sampling purging of well volume can magnify this effect. On the other hand, sampling of discrete narrow intervals of a plume, with no purging, should increase the chance of detection of undiluted biodegraded material. A site with independent evidence of in-situ biodegradation potential has been selected based on the following criteria: 1) there has been historical presence of TBA in excess of MTBE in parts of the plume, suggesting a possibility of in-situ MTBE biodegradation; 2) Bio-Sep in-situ microcosms indicated that there is microbiological potential for anaerobic degradation of MTBE (the Bio-Sep experiments were performed by a different research group and were not part of the current project). On the other hand, previous round of CSIA showed isotope values for MTBE within the normal range of undegraded material. Samples from four monitoring wells (selected for high TBA/MTBE concentration ratios) were collected from two discrete depth intervals without well purging and subjected to CSIA. The results were negative/inconclusive. All of the analyzed samples were essentially identical in their isotope ratios. At this site, either the plume heterogeneity was not picked up at the spatial resolution of sampling or the isotope fractionation had not occurred.
Objective 3 – A database of isotope fractionation by available microbial cultures
The microcosms used in biodegradation experiments have been set up under supervision of Dr. Davidova (Dr. Suflita’s group at OU Microbiology Department) as described in the previous annual report. Concentrations of MTBE and TBA have been determined using a purge and trap method at the Geochemistry Lab at OU, methane concentrations have been determined through headspace-GC method at the Geochemistry Lab and sulfate have been determined by Dr. Davidova at OU Microbiology Department.
Eight sets of replicate anaerobic microcosms for MTBE degradation were set up using sediment from six contaminated gas station sites in California obtained from BP partner (including three separate experiments set up using three spatially different sediment samples from the same contaminated site). The sites have been previously studied for isotope effects in groundwater and evidence of MTBE biodegradation was detected. MTBE degradation (conversion to TBA) was observed in seven of the experiments in all or at least some of the “live” replicates, while no MTBE-TBA conversion was observed in sterile replicates. MTBE degradation was observed after repeated amendment with fresh substrate, and corresponding near-stoichiometric accumulation of TBA occurred. Degradation of MTBE resulted with strong isotope fractionation, measured by GCIRMS. One of the data sets had to be discarded, because isotope effects caused by biodegradation were obscured by the presence of 13C-labeled MTBE used in-situ by a different research group. No evidence of activity was found to date in microcosms developed with one of the sediment samples. Carbon isotope composition of MTBE and TBA was measured to obtain the objective value of enrichment factors characteristic of anaerobic MTBE bioconversion. The values of carbon isotope enrichment factor (ε) for MTBE degradation calculated for the data sets from all of the active microcosms are virtually identical and cluster around -18. This value implies an even stronger isotope effect for this type of reaction than the values reported earlier. The difference is likely due to different experimental designs. Unlike in the previous studies, all of the microcosms discussed here were kept homogenous (culture bottles set on a shaker or turned over daily) to minimize heterogeneity of the medium and avoid underestimation of isotope effects. A similar range of isotope effect was found in the original sulfate reducing or methanogenic specimens, in the enrichment cultures transferred from one of the original microcosms and in microcosms where the terminal acceptor status have been forced from methanogenic to sulfate reducing (with an addition of sulfate and BES, an inhibitor of methanogenesis). The high consistency of the ε values between the individual data sets from different sediment samples, for the methanogenic and the sulfate reducing conditions, gives strong support for using the obtained value of ε in evaluation of MTBE in-situ degradation. This phase of the project can be considered successfully completed. The remaining inactive MTBE microcosms are being monitored on a monthly basis and if activity develops, they may be possibly included in a later report.
In a follow-up experiment, carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios were measured for degradation of MTBE amendment in selected 13 individual microcosms from 6 different sediment sets (including two samples with BES inhibitor). The hydrogen fractionation was identical for all of the studied cultures, with the hydrogen enrichment factor of –25. The 2-dimensional trend from the microcosm experiment is identical to that reported by Kuder et al. (2005) from anaerobic MTBE plumes. The consistent pattern of the 2D trends for different cultures implies a common degradation mechanism and supports the use of 2D CSIA for validation of anaerobic biodegradation of MTBE.
Three sets of anaerobic microcosms with TBA amendment (two methanogenic, one sulfate reducing) were set up to study TBA biodegradation. Additionally, control samples of the MTBE experiments contain ppm-level concentrations of TBA and were also monitored for potential TBA-degrading activity. In one of the two methanogenic experiments, significant methane generation in TBA-amended microcosms has been observed (up to 1% methane in headspace). At present, concentration and isotope composition of TBA do not offer confirm anaerobic degradation.
Objective 4 – A database of stable isotopic composition (carbon and hydrogen) of MTBE, TBA and other gasoline compounds
A collection of 50 samples of commercial gasolines from Midwestern, East Coast and Southeastern states has been obtained from Dr. Graham Rankin (Marshal University, WV). Selected specimens of the set were screened by direct injection onto GCIRMS (carbon and hydrogen mode). To obtain carbon and hydrogen isotope values of the oxygenates (MTBE and TBA), aliquots of gasolines have been equilibrated with water and analyzed by purge and trap-GCIRMS method. This pretreatment step was necessary to eliminate low molecular weight hydrocarbons of gasoline causing GC coelution upon GCIRMS analysis and assure accurate determination of δ13C and δD. In particular, adequate GC separation of TBA from gasoline matrix is impractical in direct injection. Carbon isotope ratios of MTBE (δ13C of -27.9 to -30.3) agree with the values published elsewhere. TBA carbon isotope compositions have been also measured, but the results have been discarded due to subsequent demonstration of an analytical artifact limiting the application of purge and trap method to TBA analysis in the presence of high-concentration MTBE matrix. The TBA isotope ratios will be determined again after the problem is resolved. Hydrogen isotope ratios of MTBE fall between δD of -80 and -106. Carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene have been measured for 25 samples of gasolines. Carbon isotope ratios only of additional aromatic compounds (a number of tri- and tetramethylbenzenes and naphthalene) were measured for an additional 25 gasolines (these samples did not contain detectable amounts of MTBE). All samples have been analyzed by purge and trap-GCIRMS after equilibration with water to improve GC separation of target analytes and to increase the precision of isotope ratio determination (the effective concentration of a number of interfering compounds, e.g., of the aliphatic fraction of gasoline, was greatly reduced by this treatment). Carbon isotope ratios of gasoline aromatics (22 different compounds) range from δ13C of -23 to -28. Hydrogen isotope ratios of gasoline aromatics range from δD of -35 to -100.
Objective 5 – A set of case studies of contaminated sites, primarily on MTBE and TBA, but ultimately on other gasoline-range contaminants
As a part of this study, CSIA method has been applied to study benzene contamination at three separate locations. Two-dimensional CSIA analysis (carbon and hydrogen) visualized a fractionation pattern consistent with benzene biodegradation. On the other hand, due to relatively low magnitude of isotope fractionation in the case of benzene, carbon CSIA alone seems to be insufficient to confirm in-situ biodegradation, in particular with old or complex contaminant plumes where it is difficult to determine the accurate value of the initial isotope composition of the contaminant.
A plume of MTBE and TBA (Illinois) has been studied over a period of time (also see Section 2). While at his site CSIA does not provide evidence of anaerobic biodegradation, we have observed changes of isotope ratios (carbon and hydrogen) in an area treated by air sparging. The observed pattern of isotope fractionation is consistent with aerobic biodegradation, suggesting the air sparging process stimulates biodegradation at this location. This part of the project is linked to the experimental work on the effects of volatilization on the isotope ratios of MTBE in the field (see Section 1).
Additionally, a site with TAME contamination was studied. While no evidence of isotope fractionation was detected, the analytical utility of PT-GCIRMS was demonstrated for this compound.
Future Activities:The following activities are planned for the next season:
- It is planned to continue experiments to simulate VOC volatilization in the conditions of porous medium in contact with contaminated groundwater. Experimental simulation of air sparging and soil vapor extraction will be performed.
- Continuation of the work with the existing microcosms is planned, in particular, monitoring of TBA microcosms for evidence of biodegradation will continue
- Finishing the database of isotope ratios of the commercial gasoline samples. TBA will be re-analyzed. Currently the analytical method is optimized to allow analysis of TBA in the presence of high-concentration MTBE matrix.
- It is planned to continue screening of the incoming field samples for carbon and hydrogen stable isotope effects indicative of monoaromatic compound degradation (benzene in particular). Continuation of work an MTBE and TBA plume.
Journal Articles on this Report: 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other subproject views: | All 10 publications | 2 publications in selected types | All 2 journal articles |
| Other center views: | All 135 publications | 26 publications in selected types | All 19 journal articles |
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Kuder T, Philp P. Modern geochemical and molecular tools for monitoring in-situ biodegradation of MTBE and TBA. Reviews in Environmental Science and Biotechnology 2008;7(1):79-91. |
R830633C005 (2006) R830633C005 (Final) |
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Water, groundwater, sediments, bioavailability, metabolism, VOC, organics, bioremediation, cleanup, environmental chemistry, analytical, EPA Regions (1 through 10), petroleum industry,
Progress and Final Reports:
2005 Progress Report
Original Abstract
Final Report
Main Center Abstract and Reports:
R830633 IPEC University of Tulsa (TU)
Subprojects under this Center:
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R827015C001 Evaluation of Road Base Material Derived from Tank Bottom Sludges
R827015C002 Passive Sampling Devices (PSDs) for Bioavailability Screening of Soils Containing Petrochemicals
R827015C003 Demonstration of a Subsurface Drainage System for the Remediation of Brine-Impacted Soil
R827015C004 Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of Whole Gasoline
R827015C005 Microflora Involved in Phytoremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
R827015C006 Microbial Treatment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)
R827015C007 Using Plants to Remediate Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
R827015C008 The Use of Nitrate for the Control of Sulfide Formation in Oklahoma Oil Fields
R827015C009 Surfactant-Enhanced Treatment of Oil-Contaminated Soils and Oil-Based Drill Cuttings
R827015C010 Novel Materials for Facile Separation of Petroleum Products from Aqueous Mixtures Via Magnetic Filtration
R827015C011 Development of Relevant Ecological Screening Criteria (RESC) for Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Exploration and Production Sites
R827015C012 Humate-Induced Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Surface Soils
R827015C013 New Process for Plugging Abandoned Wells
R827015C014 Enhancement of Microbial Sulfate Reduction for the Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Aquifers - A Laboratory and Field Scale Demonstration
R827015C015 Locating Oil-Water Interfaces in Process Vessels
R827015C016 Remediation of Brine Spills with Hay
R827015C017 Continuation of an Investigation into the Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of Whole Gasoline
R827015C018 Using Plants to Remediate Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
R827015C019 Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Salt-Impacted Soil by Native Halophiles or Halotolerants and Strategies for Enhanced Degradation
R827015C020 Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of MTBE
R827015C021 Evaluation of Commercial, Microbial-Based Products to Treat Paraffin Deposition in Tank Bottoms and Oil Production Equipment
R827015C022 A Continuation: Humate-Induced Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Surface Soils
R827015C023 Data for Design of Vapor Recovery Units for Crude Oil Stock Tank Emissions
R827015C024 Development of an Environmentally Friendly and Economical Process for Plugging Abandoned Wells
R827015C025 A Continuation of Remediation of Brine Spills with Hay
R827015C026 Identifying the Signature of the Natural Attenuation of MTBE in Goundwater Using Molecular Methods and "Bug Traps"
R827015C027 Identifying the Signature of Natural Attenuation in the Microbial
Ecology of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Groundwater Using Molecular Methods and
"Bug Traps"
R827015C028 Using Plants to Remediate Petroleum-Contaminated Soil: Project Continuation
R827015C030 Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
R827015C031 Evaluation of Sub-micellar Synthetic Surfactants versus Biosurfactants for Enhanced LNAPL Recovery
R827015C032 Utilization of the Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Individual Compounds in Refined Hydrocarbon Products To Monitor Their Fate in the Environment
R830633 Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium (IPEC)
R830633C001 Development of an Environmentally Friendly and Economical Process for Plugging Abandoned Wells (Phase II)
R830633C002 A Continuation of Remediation of Brine Spills with Hay
R830633C003 Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
R830633C004 Evaluation of Sub-micellar Synthetic Surfactants versus Biosurfactants for Enhanced LNAPL Recovery
R830633C005 Utilization of the Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Individual Compounds in Refined Hydrocarbon Products To Monitor Their Fate in the Environment
R830633C006 Evaluation of Commercial, Microbial-Based Products to Treat Paraffin Deposition in Tank Bottoms and Oil Production Equipment
R830633C007 Identifying the Signature of the Natural Attenuation in the Microbial Ecology of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Groundwater Using Molecular Methods and “Bug Traps”
R830633C008 Using Plants to Remediate Petroleum-Contaminated Soil: Project Continuation
R830633C009 Use of Earthworms to Accelerate the Restoration of Oil and Brine Impacted Sites
X832428C001 Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
X832428C002 Paraffin Control in Oil Wells Using Anaerobic Microorganisms
X832428C003 Fiber Rolls as a Tool for Re-Vegetation of Oil-Brine Contaminated Watersheds