TY - JOUR
T1 - Characterization of redox conditions in groundwater contaminant plumes
AU - Christensen, Thomas Højlund
AU - Bjerg, Poul Løgstrup
AU - Banwarth, Steven A.
AU - Jakobsen, Rasmus
AU - Heron, Gorm
AU - Albrechtsen, Hans-Jørgen
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - Evaluation of redox conditions in groundwater pollution plumes is often a prerequisite for
understanding the behaviour of the pollutants in the plume and for selecting remediation
approaches. Measuring of redox conditions in pollution plumes is, however, a fairly recent issue
and yet relative few cases have been reported. No standardised or generally accepted approach
exists. Slow electrode kinetics and the common lack of internal equilibrium of redox processes in
pollution plumes make, with a few exceptions, direct electrochemical measurement and rigorous
interpretation of redox potentials dubious, if not erroneous. Several other approaches have been
used in addressing redox conditions in pollution plumes: redox-sensitive compounds in groundwater
samples, hydrogen concentrations in groundwater, concentrations of volatile fatty acids in
groundwater, sediment characteristics and microbial tools, such as MPN counts, PLFA biomarkers
and redox bioassays. This paper reviews the principles behind the different approaches, summarizes
methods used and evaluates the approaches based on the experience from the reported
applications. C 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
AB - Evaluation of redox conditions in groundwater pollution plumes is often a prerequisite for
understanding the behaviour of the pollutants in the plume and for selecting remediation
approaches. Measuring of redox conditions in pollution plumes is, however, a fairly recent issue
and yet relative few cases have been reported. No standardised or generally accepted approach
exists. Slow electrode kinetics and the common lack of internal equilibrium of redox processes in
pollution plumes make, with a few exceptions, direct electrochemical measurement and rigorous
interpretation of redox potentials dubious, if not erroneous. Several other approaches have been
used in addressing redox conditions in pollution plumes: redox-sensitive compounds in groundwater
samples, hydrogen concentrations in groundwater, concentrations of volatile fatty acids in
groundwater, sediment characteristics and microbial tools, such as MPN counts, PLFA biomarkers
and redox bioassays. This paper reviews the principles behind the different approaches, summarizes
methods used and evaluates the approaches based on the experience from the reported
applications. C 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
KW - Redox
KW - Microbiology
KW - Contaminant plumes
KW - Hydrogen
KW - Sediments
KW - Characterisation of plumes
U2 - 10.1016/S0169-7722(00)00109-1
DO - 10.1016/S0169-7722(00)00109-1
M3 - Journal article
SN - 0169-7722
VL - 45
SP - 165
EP - 241
JO - Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
JF - Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
IS - 3-4
ER -