Groundwater remediation strategies have advanced toward more effective and economical remedial technologies. Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) has become accepted by federal regulatory agencies as a viable remediation strategy for contaminants under site-specific conditions. At chloroethene contaminated sites where MNA is used as a remediation strategy, microbially-mediated reductive dechlorination is typically the dominant pathway for natural attenuation. The efficacy of reductive dechlorination at sites with no anthropogenic carbon sources is often influenced by the availability of readily-biodegradable natural organic carbon along with favorable geochemical conditions for supporting microbial dehalogenation. Recent research studies have suggested that the pool of labile natural organic carbon, operationally defined as potentially bioavailable organic carbon (PBOC), may be a critical component related to sustaining reductive dechlorination at MNA sites. The objective of this study was to evaluate PBOC as a quantitative measure of the labile organic carbon fraction of aquifer sediments in relation to microbial reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents. In the first phase of this study, the variability of PBOC in aquifer sediments was examined among 15 chloroethene contaminated sites. Results showed that PBOC displayed considerable variability among the study sites, ranging over four orders of magnitude. Regression results demonstrated that a positive correlation existed between PBOC, solid phase total organic carbon (TOCs), and reductive dechlorination activity at the sites. Results supported that greater levels of PBOC and TOCs corresponded to higher reductive dechlorination activity at the sites. Composition results showed that 6-86% of PBOC consisted of proteins and amino acids. Results also suggested a positive relationship existed between PBOC, concentrations of potentially bioavailable organic compounds present in the aquifer system, expressed as hydrolyzable amino acids (HAA), and the natural attenuation capacity (NAC) at the sites. Higher PBOC levels were consistently observed at sites with greater NAC and levels of HAA. The results of this study suggested that the variability of PBOC in the aquifer sediments exhibited a reasonable correlation with TOCs, hydrolyzable amino acids, and chloroethene transformation among the selected sites. In the second phase of this study, the relationship between PBOC in aquifer sediments and site specific performance data was evaluated among 12 chloroethene contaminated sites. Results demonstrated that PBOC in aquifer sediments was directly correlated to independent field metrics associated with reductive dechlorination. Levels of PBOC demonstrated direct relationships with hydrogen (H2) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations within the groundwater system at the selected study sites. Results also indicated that PBOC demonstrated positive relationships with reductive dechlorination activity and the natural attenuation capacity of the sites. The findings of this study suggested that the level of PBOC in aquifer sediments may be a key factor in sustaining conditions favorable for microbial reductive dechlorination. In the third phase of this study, the distribution of PBOC was investigated at a chloroethene contaminated site. PBOC was measured in surficial aquifer sediment samples collected at varying depths in the vicinity of a chloroethene plume. Results demonstrated that levels of PBOC were consistently higher in aquifer sediments with minimal chloroethene exposure relative to samples collected in the PCE-contaminated source zone. Regression results demonstrated that a statistically significant inverse correlation existed between PBOC levels and chloroethene concentrations for selected temporary wells in the contaminated source zone at the study site. Consistent with these findings, results also indicated a similar trend of increased PBOC in aquifer sediments outside the chloroethene plume relative to aquifer sediments inside the plume. Results from this study further suggested that differences in extracted carbon levels at the site for surficial aquifer sediment samples in the PCE-contaminated source zone could impact the extent of reductive dechlorination within the hydrographic unit. / Ph. D.

Contaminant transport modeling is being used more often at petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites in an attempt to aid engineers in evaluating the feasibility of natural attenuation as a remediation alternative in groundwater systems. In this research, a three-dimensional sequential electron acceptor computer model, SEAM3D, developed by Waddill and Widdowson (1997) was used to simulate contaminant transport at a leaking underground storage tank site in Beaufort, South Carolina. Gasoline containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) as well as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) leaked into the subsurface at the site late in 1990, and monitoring of the water table elevations and contaminant concentrations began in 1993. Using the field data, the groundwater flow model MODFLOW was used to develop and calibrate a flow model for the Laurel Bay site using GMS (Groundwater Modeling System) v2.1. MODFLOW was coupled with the SEAM3D contaminant transport model, and the available concentration levels were used to calibrate, verify, and validate the site model. The results indicated that SEAM3D simulated complex, interconnected processes including biodegradation, and the transport of multiple hydrocarbon compounds, electron acceptors, and end products over time and space at a specific petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated site. Once the model was calibrated and verified, the model output was used to study the changes in contaminant mass distribution, contaminant mass loss, and mass loss rates for each terminal electron accepting process (TEAP) over time. It was found that the natural attenuation capacity of the aquifer was insufficient to stabilize the plume and prevent it from reaching the defined point of contact (POC). Contamination was shown to have reached the POC by 1994, just four years into the simulation. Results indicated that despite oxygen limitation within the BTEX plume, aerobic biodegradation was responsible for the greatest amount of mass loss, close to 70 %, relative to the sum of the anaerobic processes after 20 years. / Master of Science

Es wurden die mikrobiellen Abbauprozesse an einem Standort mit gaswerkstypischer Schadstoffkontamination, v. a. BTEX und PAK, untersucht. Ziel war es, die relevanten mikrobiologischen Abbauprozesse mit gängigen Analysemethoden zu identifizieren und das Natural Attenuation-Potential zu bewerten. Neben einer Betrachtung der Schadstoffe im Feld wurde ein ausführliches hydrogeochemisches und mikrobiologisches Analyseprogramm durchgeführt. Der Schadstoffabbau wurde in Labor-Mikrokosmen unter für den Standort charakteristischen, überwiegend anaeroben Bedingungen untersucht. Methodik und Umfang der Untersuchungsmethoden wurden im Hinblick auf eine Anwendung an weiteren Standorten bewertet. Die Schadstoffausbreitung in der Fahne, die Keimzahluntersuchungen und eine deutliche Redoxzonierung mit einer Sukzession von Methanogenese, Sulfatreduktion und Fe(III)-Reduktion spiegelten mikrobielle Abbauprozesse wider. Dabei beeinflussten und überlagerten die Prozesse im Schadensherd die Prozesse in der Fahne stark. Die Felddaten gaben Hinweise auf abiotische Sekundärreaktionen zwischen den Redoxpaaren Fe(III)/Fe(II), Sulfat/Sulfid und O2/H2O. Die Berechnung der Assimilativen Kapazität (AC) zeigte ein gutes Angebot an CO2 und Sulfat, während die übrigen TEA Sauerstoff, Nitrat und auch Fe(III) am Standort stark limitiert waren. Dem stand eine von den Redoxbedingungen abhängige, unterschiedlich gute Abbaubarkeit der Modellschadstoffe Benzen, Toluen, Ethylbenzen, Naphthalin, Acenaphthen, Phenanthren und Pyren im Laborversuch gegenüber. Methanogenese wurde in keinem der Versuchsansätze beobachtet. Unter sulfatreduzierenden Bedingungen fand ein Abbau weniger Modellschadstoffe (Toluen, z.T. auch Ethylbenzen und Naphthalin) statt. Mit den TEA Nitrat und insb. Fe(III) erweiterte sich das Abbauspektrum gegenüber sulfatreduzierenden Bedingungen. Mit Sauerstoff fand ein Abbau aller im Grundwasser enthaltenen BTEX und PAK statt. Vor dem Hintergrund der AC und den Ergebnissen der Mikrokosmen bedarf es für einen vollständigen Schadstoffabbau im Feld einer Kombination verschiedener TEA-Prozesse, insb. eines Zusammenwirkens von Fe(III)- und Sulfatreduktion und eines Einflusses von Sauerstoff an den Fahnenrändern. Die unterschiedlichen Abbaumuster bzw. Abbaugeschwindigkeiten in Abhängigkeit der TEA machen das Einbeziehen der Redoxzonierung in eine Modellierung des Standortes erforderlich. Neben den TEA hatte die Verfügbarkeit der Makroelemente Phosphor und Stickstoff sowie von Mikroelementen einen Einfluss auf den Abbau. In den Respirometeruntersuchungen mit hohen Substratkonzentrationen war Phosphat in allen und Ammonium in einem Teil der Grundwässer, in Abhängigkeit von der Entnahmestelle im Feld, limitierend. Bei niedrigen Substratkonzentrationen in den Mikrokosmen trat kein Mangel an N und P auf. In allen Fällen hatte aber eine Zugabe von Mikroelementen einen förderlichen Effekt auf den Abbau. Die Methodik der Standortuntersuchungen folgte dem Prinzip der multiple lines of evidence. Die hydrochemischen Parameter O2, NO3-, Fe2+, Mn2+, SO42-, S2-, CH4, NH4+, PO43 waren geeignet, einen mikrobiellen Abbau und potentielle Limitationen durch Nährstoffe zu zeigen. Ein Vergleich der Ergebnisse der tiefenhorizontierten Beprobung mit einem stärker räumlich integrierenden Ansatz zeigte, dass ohne eine entsprechende räumliche Auflösung die AC überschätzt würde. Die Summenparameter, insb. die Toxizität, lieferten wertvolle Zusatzinformationen über die Gesamtkontamination. Der Abbau der (Modell-)Schadstoffe in den Mikrokosmen ermöglichte eine Einschätzung der generellen Abbaubarkeit der Schadstoffe am Standort, der Einflussparameter auf den Schadstoffabbau sowie möglicher Stimulationsmaßnahmen.

Es wurden die mikrobiellen Abbauprozesse an einem Standort mit gaswerkstypischer Schadstoffkontamination, v. a. BTEX und PAK, untersucht. Ziel war es, die relevanten mikrobiologischen Abbauprozesse mit gängigen Analysemethoden zu identifizieren und das Natural Attenuation-Potential zu bewerten. Neben einer Betrachtung der Schadstoffe im Feld wurde ein ausführliches hydrogeochemisches und mikrobiologisches Analyseprogramm durchgeführt. Der Schadstoffabbau wurde in Labor-Mikrokosmen unter für den Standort charakteristischen, überwiegend anaeroben Bedingungen untersucht. Methodik und Umfang der Untersuchungsmethoden wurden im Hinblick auf eine Anwendung an weiteren Standorten bewertet. Die Schadstoffausbreitung in der Fahne, die Keimzahluntersuchungen und eine deutliche Redoxzonierung mit einer Sukzession von Methanogenese, Sulfatreduktion und Fe(III)-Reduktion spiegelten mikrobielle Abbauprozesse wider. Dabei beeinflussten und überlagerten die Prozesse im Schadensherd die Prozesse in der Fahne stark. Die Felddaten gaben Hinweise auf abiotische Sekundärreaktionen zwischen den Redoxpaaren Fe(III)/Fe(II), Sulfat/Sulfid und O2/H2O. Die Berechnung der Assimilativen Kapazität (AC) zeigte ein gutes Angebot an CO2 und Sulfat, während die übrigen TEA Sauerstoff, Nitrat und auch Fe(III) am Standort stark limitiert waren. Dem stand eine von den Redoxbedingungen abhängige, unterschiedlich gute Abbaubarkeit der Modellschadstoffe Benzen, Toluen, Ethylbenzen, Naphthalin, Acenaphthen, Phenanthren und Pyren im Laborversuch gegenüber. Methanogenese wurde in keinem der Versuchsansätze beobachtet. Unter sulfatreduzierenden Bedingungen fand ein Abbau weniger Modellschadstoffe (Toluen, z.T. auch Ethylbenzen und Naphthalin) statt. Mit den TEA Nitrat und insb. Fe(III) erweiterte sich das Abbauspektrum gegenüber sulfatreduzierenden Bedingungen. Mit Sauerstoff fand ein Abbau aller im Grundwasser enthaltenen BTEX und PAK statt. Vor dem Hintergrund der AC und den Ergebnissen der Mikrokosmen bedarf es für einen vollständigen Schadstoffabbau im Feld einer Kombination verschiedener TEA-Prozesse, insb. eines Zusammenwirkens von Fe(III)- und Sulfatreduktion und eines Einflusses von Sauerstoff an den Fahnenrändern. Die unterschiedlichen Abbaumuster bzw. Abbaugeschwindigkeiten in Abhängigkeit der TEA machen das Einbeziehen der Redoxzonierung in eine Modellierung des Standortes erforderlich. Neben den TEA hatte die Verfügbarkeit der Makroelemente Phosphor und Stickstoff sowie von Mikroelementen einen Einfluss auf den Abbau. In den Respirometeruntersuchungen mit hohen Substratkonzentrationen war Phosphat in allen und Ammonium in einem Teil der Grundwässer, in Abhängigkeit von der Entnahmestelle im Feld, limitierend. Bei niedrigen Substratkonzentrationen in den Mikrokosmen trat kein Mangel an N und P auf. In allen Fällen hatte aber eine Zugabe von Mikroelementen einen förderlichen Effekt auf den Abbau. Die Methodik der Standortuntersuchungen folgte dem Prinzip der multiple lines of evidence. Die hydrochemischen Parameter O2, NO3-, Fe2+, Mn2+, SO42-, S2-, CH4, NH4+, PO43 waren geeignet, einen mikrobiellen Abbau und potentielle Limitationen durch Nährstoffe zu zeigen. Ein Vergleich der Ergebnisse der tiefenhorizontierten Beprobung mit einem stärker räumlich integrierenden Ansatz zeigte, dass ohne eine entsprechende räumliche Auflösung die AC überschätzt würde. Die Summenparameter, insb. die Toxizität, lieferten wertvolle Zusatzinformationen über die Gesamtkontamination. Der Abbau der (Modell-)Schadstoffe in den Mikrokosmen ermöglichte eine Einschätzung der generellen Abbaubarkeit der Schadstoffe am Standort, der Einflussparameter auf den Schadstoffabbau sowie möglicher Stimulationsmaßnahmen.

Les sols de cokerie sont très hétérogènes, composés de matériaux de construction et de diverses phases organiques telles que du coke, du charbon, du goudron de houille et du bitume routier, jouant un rôle majeur sur les propriétés de ces sols. Leur nature et leur état de dégradation vont influencer la mobilité des différents contaminants. Cette thèse porte sur l’étude du vieillissement d’un sol de cokerie et ses conséquences sur le devenir des polluants organiques et métalliques. Elle intègre des études réalisées à différentes échelles permettant de considérer différents degrés de complexité, par l’utilisation (i) de composés purs, de matériaux organiques isolés (charbon, goudron de houille)et de sols et (ii) de dispositifs intégrant progressivement les différents processus intervenant lors de l’atténuation naturelle : expériences d’oxydation et de biodégradation en laboratoire, dispositif simplifié permettant de suivre l’évolution naturelle de quelques grammes d’échantillon, parcelles lysimétriques du GISFI permettant un suivi à l’échelle du terrain. Deux schémas de dégradation ont été identifiés au cours des expériences en laboratoire : (i) l’oxydation conduit à un phénomène de condensation qui suggère une stabilisation du compartiment organique ; (ii) la biodégradation induit la formation de plus petites unités moléculaires et la libération de composés organiques présents dans la fraction organique insoluble. Si des tendances sont identifiées au cours des expériences d’atténuation naturelle, elles suggèrent plutôt que le processus majeur impliqué est la biodégradation. La sorption du cuivre est variable selon les constituants organiques considérés, et augmente significativement après les expériences d’altération / Coking plant soils are highly heterogeneous and are made of building materials and various organic constituents such as coke, coal, coal –tar and road asphalt. Those materials can strongly influence soil properties. Thus, the retention of the various contaminants will depend on the nature and the degradation of the soil organic constituents. This work deals with the ageing of a coking plant soil and its consequences on the fate of both organic and metallic pollutants. The multi-scale approach applied in this study allows to consider the different levels of complexity through the use of (i) pure compounds, isolated organic fraction of soils such as coal tar and coal and a soil with its mineral fraction, and (ii) experimental devices gradually integrating the processes involved in natural attenuation : laboratory oxidation and biodegradation experiments, simplified device allowing the study of few grams of samples exposed to natural attenuation, and the GISFI (French Scientific Interest Group – Industrial Wasteland) lysimeter plots allowing the study at field scale). Two major evolutions were evidenced: (i) the oxidation led to a condensation suggesting a stabilization process of the organic compartment; (ii) the biodegradation induce the formation of smaller molecular units and the release of organic compounds from the non extractable part of the organic matter. The trends identified during the natural attenuation experiments suggest that the biodegradation is the major process involved in our ageing experiments. The sorption of copper varied according to the different organic constituents that were tested but was clearly enhanced by the degradation of these constituents

Abstract not available

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a gasoline additive to improve the combustion efficiency and to replace lead since 1978. It is the most commonly used oxygenate now due to its low cost, convenience of transfer, and ease of blending and production. MTBE has become a prevalent groundwater contaminant because it is widely used and it has been disposed inappropriately. MTBE has been demonstrated an animal carcinogen. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has temporarily classified MTBE as a possible human carcinogen and has set its advisory level for drinking water at 20-40 µg/L based on taste and odor concerns. The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TEPA) also classifies it as the Class IV toxic chemical substances. Currently, natural attenuation (NA) as well as natural bioremediation or enhanced bioremediation are attractive remediation options for contaminated sites due to their economic benefit and environmental friendly. In general, in situ microorganisms at the contaminated site play a very important role in site restoration. Although early studies suggested that the biodegradability of MTBE was not significant, recent laboratory and field reports reveal that MTBE can be biodegraded under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In addition, evidences and some successful cases of MTBE attenuation have been reported that make natural attenuation a considerable remedial strategy. However, the biodegrading rate might decrease if the nutritional and physiological requirements are not met. Thus, it is important to assess the biodegradability of natural microorganisms under various site conditions to obtain optimal remedial conditions. Contributions of intrinsic biodegradation and other abiotic mechanisms to the removal and control of contaminants should also be evaluated to provide sufficient information for remedial option determination. Moreover, isolation and identification of the dominant native microorganisms will be helpful to following remediation tasks. In the first part of this study, microcosm study and microbial identification technologies (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DGGE) were applied to assess the biodegradability of MTBE by indigenous microbial consortia and to identify the dominant microorganisms at a MTBE-contaminated site (Site A). In the second part of this study, thorough field investigations were performed to evaluate the occurrence of natural attenuation of MTBE at two MTBE-contaminated sites (Site A and Site B). In addition, a natural attenuation model, BIOSCREEN, was performed to assess the effectiveness of natural attenuation on MTBE containment. The main objectives of this study contained the following: (1)Evaluate MTBE biodegradability under different redox conditions by the indigenous microorganisms. (2)Determine the dominant native microorganisms in MTBE biodegradation for further application. (3)Assess the feasibility of using natural attenuation to control the MTBE plume. (4)Evaluate the contributions of intrinsic biodegradation patterns on natural attenuation processes by BIOSCREEN. Results from the microcosm study reveal that MTBE could be biodegraded by aquifer sediments without the addition of extra carbon sources under aerobic conditions. The production of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), a degradation byproduct of MTBE, was detected. Complete removal of TBA was also observed by the end of the experiment. Results from aerobic microcosms study indicate that oxygen might be the major limiting factor of MTBE biodegradation at Site A. Thus, MTBE at this site could be removed via natural biodegradation processes with the supplement of sufficient oxygen. Microcosm study with extracted supernatant of aquifer sediments as the inocula show that the indigenous microorganisms were capable of using MTBE as the sole carbon and energy source. The calculated MTBE degradation rate was 0.597 mg/g cells/h or 0.194 nmole/mg cells/h. No MTBE removal was observed under various anaerobic conditions. Results suggest that aerobic biodegradation was the dominant degradation process and aerobic bioremediation might be a more appropriate option for the site remediation. According to the results of DGGE analysis, aerobic MTBE-biodegrading bacteria, Pseudomonas sp. and Xanthomonas sp., might exist at this site. Although results of microcosm study show that MTBE could not be degraded under anaerobic conditions, the microbial identification indicates that some novel anaerobic microbes, which could degraded MTBE, might be present at this site. In addition, anaerobic microbes caused the consumption of electron acceptors (e.g., nitrate, ferric iron) and removal of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX), 1,2,4-trimethyl benzene (1,2,4-TMB), and 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene (1,3,5-TMB) (TMBs) in the anaerobic microcosms. These results also indicate that the potential of anaerobes activities was high at Site A. Based on the results from the field investigation, natural attenuation of MTBE was occurring at both sites. MTBE plume at Site B could be effectively controlled via natural attenuation processes. Nevertheless, MTBE plume at Site A has migrated to a farther downgradient area and passed the boundary of the site. Field investigation results indicate that the natural attenuation mechanisms of MTBE at both sites were occurring with the first-order attenuation rates of 0.0021 and 0.0048 1/day at Sites A and B, respectively. According to BIOSCREEN simulation, biodegradation was responsible for 78% and 59% of MTBE mass reduction at Sites A and B, respectively. The intrinsic biodegradation had significant contributions on the control of MTBE plumes. Moreover, the dilution and dispersion processes might be the major mechanisms for the attenuation of MTBE in the downgradient areas. However, results also reveal that intrinsic biological processes might still fail to contain the plume if the selected point of compliance is not appropriate. Results of this study suggest that natural attenuation might be feasible to be used as a remedial option for the remediation of MTBE-contaminated site on the premise that (1) detailed site characterization has been conducted, and (2) the occurrence and effectiveness of natural attenuation processes have been confirmed. Based on the results from the field investigation and laboratory microcosm studies, MTBE could be biodegraded by natural microbial populations at the studied sites under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and natural attenuation would be applied as a remedial option at MTBE-contaminated sites. Results from this study would be useful in determining the favorable bioremediation conditions and designing an efficient and cost-effective bioremediation system such as monitored natural attenuation (MNA) or in situ or on-site MTBE bioremediation system for field application.

Nearly 250,000 sites with past and present potentially polluting activities need urgent remediation within Europe. Major pollutants include organochlorines (OCls), e.g. chlorinated ethenes (CEs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), mainly used as industrial solvents and pesticides, respectively. Due to improper handling and disposal, OCls contaminants are present in the soil or groundwater surrounding sites, where they have been produced or used. CEs and HCHs can undergo degradation by microorganisms indigenous to the soil or groundwater. Therefore natural attenuation (NA), relying on the in situ biodegradation of pollutants, is considered as a cost effective remediation strategy, yet it requires accurate monitoring methods. Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is a powerful tool to provide information on the extent of degradation and, when combining two isotope systems (2D-CSIA), such as carbon (δ13C) and chlorine (δ37Cl), on reaction mechanisms. The diagnostic reaction-specific isotope enrichment factors (εC and εCl) were determined in laboratory experiments for the anaerobic degradation of PCE, TCE (Paper II) and α-HCH (Paper III) by mixed bacterial cultures enriched from CEs and HCHs contaminated sites, respectively. The related mechanism-specific εCl/εC ratios were calculated as 0.35 ± 0.11 (PCE), 0.37 ± 0.11 (TCE) and 0.52 ± 0.23 (α-HCH). These values are smaller than previously reported values for pure cultures. This is explained by the microbial community composition changes observed during degradation of PCE and α-HCH, which also reflect the variability of the microbial community at the field level. Furthermore, εCl/εC ratio might be bacteria specific. These values allowed the estimation of the extent of contaminant degradation at the respective study sites (Paper III and IV). Application of both isotope systems (δ13C and δ37Cl) led to comparable estimates. However the choice of representative ε values is crucial for an accurate assessment. These studies show that CSIA is useful to quantify in situ degradation of OCls contaminants and identify reaction pathways, by combining δ13C and δ37Cl. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Submitted. Paper 4: Manuscript.</p>

The influence of crude oil-contaminated and remediated sites on agrifood production is not clearly understood. To address this knowledge gap, the research was divided into two stages involving: (1) assessment of the efficiency of two bioremediation strategies to support hydrocarbons degradation as well as agrifood production with the initial analysis of the experimental materials, and (2) evaluation of the effect of different crude oil remediation intervention values (CRIV) on selected vegetables (Brassica juncea, Brassica oleracea, Lactuca sativa and two different cultivars of Solanum lycopersicum). Results from the first stage showed that the crude oil used had a pristane/phytane ratio of 0.98 (within the 0.8 – 3.0 range of most crude oils), higher concentrations of C10 – C14, C15 – C20 and C21 – C27 alkanes than the C28 – C36 alkanes including higher concentrations of two of the US EPA priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - phenanthrene and anthracene. Four treatments were prepared in which weekly tillage enhanced the degradation of C15 – C20 and C21 - C27 alkanes in the Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation (RENA) treatment. The two bioremediation strategies (RENA and bioaugmentation) enhanced PAHs degradation compared with the remediation-study control treatment while only RENA application among the two approaches supported the growth of B. juncea. Although there was no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) between the major dietary mineral contents of samples from the various treatments compared with the control treatment samples, RENA application affected the Cr, Zn and Pb contents. Meanwhile, the Ca/P (> 1.0) and Na/K (< 0.60) ratios of all the harvested samples imply that they provide a good source of these minerals for bone formation and would not contribute to high blood pressure. The crude oil used also deterred the attack of juvenile caterpillars of cabbage white butterfly. Findings from the second stage revealed that the yield of the green leafy vegetables including one of the selected tomato cultivars (Micro-Tom), was in most cases impaired at CRIV ≥ 3,000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH). Compared with the control treatment samples’ composition, crude oil stress at 10,000 mg/kg TPH enhanced the concentration of K, Mn and crude protein of B. oleracea and L. sativa as well as the sucrose, total sugars, total phenolics and total flavonoids contents of the latter vegetable. Sucrose was also only detected in M82 tomato cultivar samples from the crude oil-containing treatments. The Cd content of B. oleracea, Pb contents of: L. sativa and M82 tomato harvested samples were all below the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission 2015 recommended maximum levels. However, tartaric acid was only detected in B. oleracea and L. sativa samples from the 10,000 mg/kg TPH treatment as well as in M82 tomato cultivar samples from the treatment involving CRIV of 5,000 mg/kg TPH. Generally, the yield of these crops in response to crude oil contamination varied in which B. juncea had the least tolerance to crude oil stress among the green leafy vegetables tested. Most of the quality parameters in the two tomato cultivars were not affected by CRIV between 750 - 5,000 mg/kg TPH with p-xylene having the greatest toxic potential among the VOCs emitted from the 5,000 mg/kg TPH treatment. The research findings, under the experimental conditions, indicated the effectiveness of RENA for the degradation of low molecular weight PAHs and its agricultural benefits. They also suggest that crude oil-contaminated sites at ≤ 3,000 mg/kg TPH present a similar growing environment to a clean site for agrifood production and the possibility that crude oil stress at 10,000 mg/kg TPH could enhance crop quality. Nonetheless, the contribution of bio- accumulated PAHs in these crops to the food chain demands further investigation.

Le 7 août 2009, un pipeline transportant du pétrole brut s'est rompu, provoquant le déversement de 5100 m3 de brut sur 5 hectares de la Réserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau. Le pétrole a atteint l'aquifère et a formé un LNAPL qui alimente un panache de polluants dissous, dont le benzène, composé cible car toxique. Cette étude vise à montrer que la biodégradation du pétrole (biostimulation ou atténuation naturelle), en particulier des composés dissous, est une mesure efficace de gestion à long terme des risques pour la ressource en eau. Une première étude en microcosmes a montré la biodégradation, même dans les conditions les plus réductrices, des composés cibles dont le benzène. Cette étude a confirmé que la disponibilité en oxydant est un facteur limitant et que le phosphate est un levier puissant pour stimuler la croissance bactérienne. Une seconde étude sur site a prouvé la faisabilité de la biostimulation par injection de nitrate et de phosphate dans la nappe et son efficacité pour l'abattement des concentrations en polluants dissous. L'utilisation du radon comme traceur pour estimer la saturation en pétrole dans l'aquifère a été évaluée dans une troisième étude. La facilité de mise en oeuvre de la méthode ainsi que les résultats offrent des perspectives intéressantes pour l'optimisation des systèmes de pompage-écrémage sur des sites ayant un NAPL. Une dernière étude portant sur la mise en place des processus d'oxydoréduction et de dégradation sur site a montré une évolution rapide des conditions après l'accident, traduisant un environnement favorable à l'atténuation naturelle. La dégradation in situ du benzène a été mise en évidence via des mesures isotopiques. / On August 7, 2009 a pipeline transporting crude oil broke in the heart of the Nature Reserve of Coussouls de Crau, and 5,100 m3 of oil were spilled over 5 hectares. Oil infiltrated through the subsurface and reached the most important regional aquifer where it formed a LNAPL that created a plume of dissolved compounds. Among these compounds, benzene is of particular concern because of its toxicity and high solubility. This thesis aims at showing that biodegradation of crude oil, especially of dissolved compounds, is a good option for long-term management of risks for the water resource. A first study in microcosms demonstrated biodegradation of targeted compounds, including benzene, even under the most reducing conditions. This study also revealed that the availability of electrons acceptors was a limiting factor and that phosphate was a powerful lever to stimulate bacterial growth. An on-site study proved the feasibility of biostimulation by nitrate and phosphate injection in the aquifer and showed that biostimulation was efficient to reduce concentrations of dissolved compounds. Naturally occurring radon was used as a tracer to estimate oil saturation in the saturated zone in a third study. The ease of implementation of this method and the results offer interesting perspectives to optimize the yield of pump-and-skim systems in LNAPL-contaminated sites. The last study focused on the implementation of redox processes and degradation in the saturated zone after the spill. This study showed that processes quickly evolved and that conditions were favorable to natural attenuation. In situ benzene degradation was proven by the measurements of stable isotopes of carbon.