HRC enhanced bioremediation of chlorinated solvents

Enhanced in situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents in groundwater has been successfully demonstrated at several sites by supplying lactic acid as an electron donor. The source of lactate for these successful pilot tests is Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC(TM)), a polylactate ester specially formulated for slow release of lactic acid upon hydration. HRC was delivered to a chlorinated solvent groundwater plume by being contained in perforated canisters hung in wells, it can also be placed directly in a boring or injected into the contaminated aquifer using a direct push technology such as Geoprobe(R). This paper presents the results from three pilot tests where HRC has been used as the electron donor to enhance natural biological destruction of chlorinated solvents. Results show that HRC can effectively enhance the natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents with very efficient degradation half-lives.