In Situ Treatment of Dissolved BTEX Using Micro Activated Carbon

This technical report evaluates the effectiveness of micro activated carbon (Petrofix™) in treating dissolved phase benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in a moderate deep sand aquifer. The study's primary objective was to determine if micro activated carbon could be injected to attenuate high concentrations of BTEX and gasoline range compounds over an extended period. The approach involved injecting 4,100 pounds of micro activated carbon into a plume hotspot where other remediation methods had failed. Groundwater samples were collected before and after the injection over a two-year period to assess various chemical and microbiological parameters. Results indicated a reduction of BTEX by over 99 percent and gasoline range compounds by over 98 percent. Additionally, microbiological analysis suggested changes in the microbial environment due to the micro activated carbon. The study also examined the distribution of the carbon, noting that injection methods and aquifer heterogeneity influenced its effectiveness.