Effectiveness of U(VI) Bioremediation by DMRB in Dual Porosity Soils Explored via Numerical Modeling

The use of naturally present dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria (DMRB) is a promising bioremediation option for uranium-contaminated sites. DMRB activity is typically stimulated by introducing an organic carbon source into the subsurface, resulting in bioreduction of highly soluble U(VI) to immobile U(IV). While this process has been demonstrated in the laboratory for simple systems, it is important to understand how its effectiveness is influenced by a variety of natural and engineered processes expected in typical applications. Biogeochemical reactive transport models provide a valuable means for investigating the performance of and parameter sensitivities of these complex systems. A new one-dimensional model for DMRB bioreduction of U(VI) was developed in PHREEQC. The model includes multiple redox processes, U(VI) sorption, and both single and dual porosity domains. The model was applied to a variety of real-site parameterized scenarios in order to explore the impact of (i) modeling approaches, (ii) expected natural variability inherent in porous media systems, and (iii) engineering options for implementation. Examples of the first include diverse approaches to modeling active biomass (1st order vs. non-growth Monod vs. Monod with growth; multiple microbial communities vs. a single community). Examples of the second include diffusion-limited mass transfer between the advective flow region and the immobile micro-matrix region through variations in region porosities, bioreduction rates and mass transfer rate coefficients, as well as aquifer mineralogy. Examples of the third include organic carbon injection regimes (quantity and duration) and their impact on U(IV) reoxidation. These suites of simulations provide valuable insight into key system sensitivities that will guide further model development and upscaling to field scale.