Enhanced Biogenic Sulfidation of Zero-Valent Iron in Columns: Implications for Promoting Dechlorination in Permeable Reactive Barriers

Biogenic sulfidation of zero-valent iron (ZVI) using sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) has shown enhanced dechlorination rates comparable to those produced by chemical sulfidation. However, controlling and sustaining biogenic sulfidation to enhance in situ dechlorination are poorly understood. Detailed interactions between SRB and ZVI were examined for 4 months in column experiments under enhanced biogenic sulfidation conditions. SRB proliferation and changes in ZVI surface properties were characterized along the flow paths. The results show that ZVI can stimulate SRB activity by removing excessive free sulfide (S2–), in addition to lowering reduction potential. ZVI also hinders downgradient movement of SRB via electrostatic repulsion, restricting SRB presence near the upgradient interface. Dissolved organic carbon (e.g., >2.2 mM) was essential for intense biogenic sulfidation in ZVI columns. The presence of SRB in the upgradient zone appeared to promote the formation of iron polysulfides. Biogenic FeSx deposition increased the S content on ZVI surfaces ∼3-fold, corresponding to 3-fold and 2-fold improvements in the trichloroethylene degradation rate and electron efficiency in batch tests. Elucidation of SRB and ZVI interactions enhances sustained sulfidation in ZVI permeable reactive barrier.