QuantArray®-Chlor: Actionable Data for Performance Monitoring
Electron donor injection was performed at a former chemical manufacturing facility impacted by a complex mixture of chlorinated compounds including PCE, TCE, 1,1,2-TCA, 1,2-DCA, cis-DCE, and VC along with high concentrations of sulfate.
Site managers required a comprehensive tool to monitor the performance of the electron donor injection at this complex site to ensure complete reductive dechlorination of all chlorinated solvents, monitor the potential interference of competing microbial processes, and make real-time site management decisions. QuantArray®-Chlor was selected. QuantArray®-Chlor analysis showed early stimulation of halorespiring organisms although some competition for hydrogen (energy source of reductive dechlorination) by sulfate reducing bacteria and methanogens was indicated. Since this competition is typically temporary, a “stay-the-course” decision was made. Subsequent QuantArray®-Chlor analysis confirmed further stimulation in reductive dechlorination and high concentrations of Dehalococcoides and other key halorespiring bacteria.
QuantArray®-Chlor analysis allowed site managers to have a comprehensive understanding of all relevant microbial processes at the site over time which allowed timely decisions and significant cost savings in site management.
