Cost and Performance Report: Bioaugmentation for Aerobic Bioremediation of RDX-Contaminated Groundwater

Abstract : This project demonstrated an innovative application of bioaugmentation to enhance the biodegradation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in contaminated groundwater under aerobic conditions. RDX is mobile and persistent in aerobic groundwater and typically forms large, dilute plumes that are difficult and costly to remediate using conventional technologies such as pump and treat or anaerobic biostimulation. The Umatilla Chemical Depot (UMCD) in Umatilla, OR was selected as the field site for this demonstration. The principal demonstration objectives were: (1) to select and optimize RDX-degrading microbial cultures for use in aerobic bioaugmentation at the UCMD, (2) to compare in situ RDX biodegradation rates for aerobic bioaugmentation to those for biostimulation, and (3) to quantify and compare costs of RDX. This final report presents a comprehensive summary of demonstration activities and results.