Simulation of Bioventing for Soil and Ground-Water Remediation

A three-dimensional finite difference model for simulation of bioventing is presented. The model incorporates three-phase (gas-water-organic) flow with equilibrium interphase mass transfer and dispersive transport of organic compounds, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Growth of microorganisms, substrate and oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production due to microbial activity are included. Biodegradation limitations due to both substrate and oxygen availability are modeled using the dual Monod formulation. The model is applied to predict the fate of a spill of toluene in the vadose zone under natural conditions and with various configurations of air injection and vapor extraction wells. Configurations of wells are determined that maximize biodegradation and minimize both the amount of toluene withdrawn in extraction wells and the amount lost to the atmosphere.