Combination of aquifer thermal energy storage and enhanced bioremediation: Biological and chemical clogging

Ni, Z; van Gaans, P; Rijnaarts, H; Grotenhuis, T

HERO ID

4121930

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

28938213

HERO ID 4121930
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Combination of aquifer thermal energy storage and enhanced bioremediation: Biological and chemical clogging
Authors Ni, Z; van Gaans, P; Rijnaarts, H; Grotenhuis, T
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 613-614
Page Numbers 707-713
Abstract Interest in the combination concept of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) and enhanced bioremediation has recently risen due to the demand for both renewable energy technology and sustainable groundwater management in urban areas. However, the impact of enhanced bioremediation on ATES is not yet clear. Of main concern is the potential for biological clogging which might be enhanced and hamper the proper functioning of ATES. On the other hand, more reduced conditions in the subsurface by enhanced bioremediation might lower the chance of chemical clogging, which is normally caused by Fe(III) precipitate. To investigate the possible effects of enhanced bioremediation on clogging with ATES, we conducted two recirculating column experiments with differing flow rates (10 and 50mL/min), where enhanced biological activity and chemically promoted Fe(III) precipitation were studied by addition of lactate and nitrate respectively. The pressure drop between the influent and effluent side of the column was used as a measure of the (change in) hydraulic conductivity, as indication of clogging in these model ATES systems. The results showed no increase in upstream pressure during the period of enhanced biological activity (after lactate addition) under both flow rates, while the addition of nitrate lead to significant buildup of the pressure drop. However, at the flow rate of 10mL/min, high pressure buildup caused by nitrate addition could be alleviated by lactate addition. This indicates that the risk of biological clogging is relatively small in the investigated areas of the mimicked ATES system that combines enhanced bioremediation with lactate as substrate, and furthermore that lactate may counter chemical clogging.
Doi 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.087
Pmid 28938213
Wosid WOS:000414160500074
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English