• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.723-730
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• 2007

This study was conducted to develop a combined method for remediating a Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (CAHs) mixtures-contaminated aquifer. The process is consist of two processes. A chemical process (1st) using natural zinc ores for reducing higher concentrations of CAH mixtures to the level at which biological process is feasible; and A biological process (2nd) using aerobic cometabolism for treating lower concentration of CAH mixtures (less than 1 mg/L). Natural zinc ore showed relatively high transformation capacity, average dehalogenation percentage, and the best economic efficiency in previously our study. To evaluate the feasibility of the process, we operated two columns in series (that is, chemical and biological columns). In the first column filled with natural zinc ore and sand, CAH mixtures were effectively transformed with more than 95% efficiency, the efficiency depends on the Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT) and the mass of zinc ore packed. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed to make sure whether natural zinc ore played an key role in the dechlorination of the CAH mixtures. The characteristics of zinc metal surface changed after exposure to CAHs due to oxidation of $Zn^0$ to $Zn^{2+}$. In the biological column injecting propane, DO and effluent of the chemical column, only 1,1,1-TCA was cometabolically transformed. Consequently, the combined process would be effective to remediate an aquifer contaminated with high concentrations of CAH mixtures.