Case-Study: Cleaning Up Chlorinated Solvents at a Dry Cleaning Facility

By Bryan Vigue, Vice-President of Marketing REGENESIS

I recently came across a compelling case study on long-term and effective chlorinated solvent treatment at a property in the mid-west. The subject site was a dry cleaning facility which produced a chlorinated hydrocarbon plume in groundwater containing both tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) with concentrations as high as 700 ug/L. The subsurface was somewhat complex consisting of silty clay with intermittent sand stringers underlain by a clay till confining layer. Additionally this site was identified to have a high sulfate environment (~100 mg/L) which can be a potential inhibitor for enhanced bioremediation.

The remediation approach undertaken was enhanced anaerobic bioremediation which required a controlled-release carbon source to drive the sequential biodegradation of PCE and TCE.  3-D Microemulsion®, a 3 stage, controlled-release electron donor with enhanced distribution characteristics was selected and injected at several locations on the site.

The results were positive as 3-D Microemulsion overcame the high sulfate levels and resulted in a strong reducing environment quite favorable for anaerobic biodegradation. Sampling at almost 2 years after the application of 3-D Microemulsion indicated sustained reducing conditions and reduction of chlorinated solvents by 83% to 98% in all impacted wells. The site is currently pending regulatory closure. For a more information visit https://regenesis.com/regenesis-resource-center/case-studies/cs-detail.aspx?ID=149.

REGENESIS provides advanced technologies for groundwater resources, including specialty soil and groundwater remediation products. If you’re unsure of the condition of your site, you can request a free site evaluation from REGENESIS. For more information, follow us on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Also, keep up with our blog for all the latest updates.