Sulfate reduction in groundwater: Characterization and applications for remediation

Z. Miao, M. L. Brusseau, K. C. Carroll, C. Carreón-Diazconti, B. Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

118 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sulfate is ubiquitous in groundwater, with both natural and anthropogenic sources. Sulfate reduction reactions play a significant role in mediating redox conditions and biogeochemical processes for subsurface systems. They also serve as the basis for innovative in situ methods for groundwater remediation. An overview of sulfate reduction in subsurface environments is provided, along with a brief discussion of characterization methods and applications for addressing acid mine drainage. We then focus on two innovative, in situ methods for remediating sulfate-contaminated groundwater, the use of zero-valent iron and the addition of electron-donor substrates. The advantages and limitations associated with the methods are discussed, with examples of prior applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)539-550
Number of pages12
JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2012

Keywords

  • Enhanced bioremediation
  • Groundwater pollution
  • Natural attenuation
  • Stable isotope analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology
  • General Environmental Science
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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