Solar Powered Remediation and pH Control

Abstract : The objective of this research effort was to demonstrate Proton Reduction Technology (PRT) as a sustainable approach for treating low pH aquifers that are contaminated with cVOCs. The field demonstration project used electrodes inserted into PVC wells in a cVOC contaminated, Low pH aquifer. A low voltage current was applied to the electrodes to generate elemental hydrogen to support biodegradation, and to consume dissolved hydrogen ions and produce hydroxide to increase aquifer pH. The PRT system was operated for a total of 507 days from start-up to shut-down. Th e contaminated aquifer was inoculated with SDC-9 bioaugmentation culture to ensure that the appropriate dechlorinating bacteria were present to support biodegradation. Electricity to operate the system was provided by solar panels and deep cycle 12 V batteries. Results of the demonstration showed that reductive dechlorination of cVOCs in a low pH aquifer can potentially be supported by PRT, but, under the conditions of the demonstration, TCE dechlorination was not complete. The lack of complete dechlorination was likely due to the borderline pH and reducing conditions achieved in the aquifer.