Thesis (M.S.)--Worcester Polytechnic Institute. / Keywords: Petroleum hydrocarbons; biodegradation. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 166).

Soil microcosm experiments were conducted to identify soil amendments which enhance the biodegradation of a No. 2 (diesel) fuel in soil. Microcosm amendments in Phase 1 included yeast extract, acetate, methane, and activated sludge. Combinations of these amendments resulted in 16 different treatments. Phase 2 soil microcosms contained combinations of methane and methanotroph additions resulting in four different treatments. Gas chromatography was used to determine the time and treatment-dependent concentration of C12-C18 n-alkanes during Phase 1 and, C14-C19 n-alkanes during Phase 2. Results from Phase 1 indicated that the most extensive biodegradation occurred in methane and activated sludge-supplemented microcosms. Acetate and/or yeast extract inhibited biodegradation by soil and/or activated sludge microorganisms. Addition of methane relieved inhibition by these amendments. Methane and/or methanotroph additions to Phase 2 microcosms did not enhance biodegradation relative to unamended microcosms. In general, n-alkanes longer than n-C12 were equally degraded in soil microcosms.

The rate at which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are removed from the vadose zone by forced ventilation may be reduced by slow micro-scale processes such as diffusion through intra-aggregate and pore water and slow reactions at sorption sites located at the soil-water interface. Column experiments using benzene and p-xylene were performed in order to simulate cleanup of VOC's in the vadose zone by forced ventilation. Analytical solutions of the one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation coupled to mass transfer equations were fitted to the data. Parameter estimates were used in order to determine time scales of diffusion through water, desorption from, and sorption to, soil organic matter. Lower limits for the time scales for these processes were calculated to be on the order of minutes. Results indicate that these micro-scale processes reduce the rate of removal on the laboratory scale but may have no effect on the field scale.

Thesis (M.Eng.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2005. / Restricted until October 2006. Bibliography: leaves 159-169.

The Redwater Production Area (RPA) is an established oil field located north of Edmonton in central Alberta. Recent assessments indicate that substantial amounts of hydrocarbon contaminated soil exist in the RPA as a result of the use of flare pits, ecological ponds, product spills and pipeline leaks. Alternative remedial technologies may reduce the quantity, cost, and ultimately the long-term liabilities associated with the current practice of landfill disposal. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the viability of accelerated biopile soil treatment as a remedial methodology in the rehabilitation of contaminated soil in the RPA. The thesis includes a literature search, a bench scale treatability and pilot biopile experiment and concludes with a summary of the viability of biopiling to be employed as part of a multi-year/multi-site remedial initiative. Construction of the Redwater Soil Treatment Facility began in 2008 with treatment and recycling operations commencing in early 2009.

A laboratory study was conducted to bioremediate a fine textured soil contaminated with diesel. The local microorganisms were stimulated by supplying nutrients with the aid of a water table management system. A fine textured soil, contaminated for more than 20 years, with more than 6500 mg/kg of diesel was packed in fifteen columns, 2 m long and 0.2 m in diameter. Twelve out of fifteen soil columns were subjected to bioremediaton, by supplying nutrients, water and air at desired depths. Three columns were used as a control to monitor passive degradation of contaminant without intervention. / The experiment was designed to employ three different treatments in triplicates. In the first treatment, nutrients, air and water were supplied. In the second, only nutrients and water were applied and in the third, water alone was applied. These treatments were applied by two different water table management strategies. In the first, three columns were remediated by following a full column remediation strategy, while in the second, nine columns were treated in a stagewise manner, by maintaining the water table at 1 m depth from surface. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-106). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wyoming, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 3, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-55).