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Hydrocarbons to carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules: A continuum model to describe biodegradation of petroleum-derived dissolved organic matter in contaminated groundwater plumes

September 19, 2020

Relationships between dissolved organic matter (DOM) reactivity and chemical composition in a groundwater plume containing petroleum-derived DOM (DOMHC) were examined by quantitative and qualitative measurements to determine the source and chemical composition of the compounds that persist downgradient. Samples were collected from a transect down the core of the plume in the direction of groundwater flow. An exponential decrease in dissolved organic carbon concentration resulting from biodegradation along the transect correlated with a continuous shift in fluorescent DOMHC from shorter to longer wavelengths. Moreover, ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry showed a shift from low molecular weight (MW) aliphatic, reduced compounds to high MW, unsaturated (alicyclic/aromatic), high oxygen compounds that are consistent with carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules. The degree of condensed aromaticity increased downgradient, indicating that compounds with larger, conjugated aromatic core structures were less susceptible to biodegradation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a decrease in alkyl (particularly methyl) and an increase in aromatic/olefinic structural motifs. Collectively, data obtained from the combination of these complementary analytical techniques indicated that changes in the DOMHC composition of a groundwater plume are gradual, as relatively low molecular weight (MW), reduced, aliphatic compounds from the oil source were selectively degraded and high MW, alicyclic/aromatic, oxidized compounds persisted.


Publication Year 2021
Title Hydrocarbons to carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules: A continuum model to describe biodegradation of petroleum-derived dissolved organic matter in contaminated groundwater plumes
DOI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123998
Authors David C. Podgorski, Phoebe Zito, Anne M. Kellerman, Barbara A. Bekins, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Donald F. Smith, Xiaoyan Cao, Klaus Schmidt-Rohr, Sasha Wagner, Aron Stubbins, Robert G. M. Spencer
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Hazardous Materials
Index ID 70214978
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization WMA - Earth System Processes Division
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