Kent Armstrong
President, TerraStryke Products, Andover, NH
karmstrong@terrastryke.com
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Background: Paper presents concept suggesting the biogeochemical tools to remediate a given Site biologically are present and regardless of the type of remedial input (amendment or augmentation) the results are ultimately dependent upon the carrying capacity of the treatment zone (ecosystem) to distribute microbial biomass and support microbial growth and activity.
Strategy: Sites where baseline conditions supportive microbial growth, communication and biofilm formation prior to introduction of an input (additive) realize positive results with the input of an additive. Whereas, site that are not supportive at baseline conditions, regardless of input, often fail to realize performance expectations.
Process: To evaluate the effect of abiotic input to a biostimulated microcosm a 28-day study was performed. Microcosm 1 used the biostimulant ERDENHANCED as sole electron donor. Microcosm 2 contained approximately 8% by weight Hogänäs Sri5 metal in the ERDENHANCED to serve as an electron donating ‘pump’ (input). Both microcosms augmented with dehalorespiring consortium KB-1.
Additionally, two monitoring wells amended with respective microcosm additive formulations; MW-23A with ERDENHANCED, MW-24A the combined formulation.
Results: Laboratory study documented combined biotic/abiotic microcosm enhance the supportive capacity of the ecosystem by; expedited expression of autoinducing signaling molecule AI-2 (communication), the presence of protein (biofilm), and complete Tetrachlorethylene (PCE) biotransformation.