Journal article
Spatial variability of microbial communities in a fractured sedimentary rock matrix impacted by a mixed organics plume
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol.218, pp.110-119
11/2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2018.10.001
PMID: 30342835
Abstract
Dissolved phase contaminants, transported by diffusion into the low permeability matrix of fractured sedimentary rock, pose a challenge to groundwater cleanup efforts because this stored mass may persist even when the upgradient source zone is removed. In this context, if contaminant biodegradation takes place within the low permeability matrix, plume persistence may be substantially reduced. Therefore, it is important to characterize microbial communities within the low permeability, rock matrix pores, instead of only from groundwater samples, which represent biomass from fast flowing fractures. This research relies on depth-discrete data from both core and groundwater samples collected from two locations representing a mid-plume and plume front condition within an aged, mixed organic contaminant plume in a sedimentary rock aquifer. Results from multiple analyte measurements on rock and groundwater indicate that biodegradation in the lower permeability matrix of fractured sedimentary rocks and the microbial consortia is spatially variable due to differences in hydrochemistry, redox conditions, and contaminant concentrations. Dechlorinating microorganisms were detected in the sandstone matrix at both locations, but the detected microbial diversity calculated with PCR-DGGE was significantly higher in samples collected from the core located closer to the source zone, where contaminant concentrations are higher and contaminant compositions more diverse, compared to samples from the plume front location. [Display omitted] •We investigate VOC biodegradation potential in a fractured sandstone aquifer.•High-resolution rock DNA and VOC concentration were obtained from two locations.•Microbial community had highest diversity closest to contamination source zone.•VOC biodegradation catalyzed mostly by anaerobes closest to the source.•There is dependence among contaminants, redox conditions, and microbial diversity.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Spatial variability of microbial communities in a fractured sedimentary rock matrix impacted by a mixed organics plume
- Creators
- Gláucia da P Lima - G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, CanadaJessica R Meyer - G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, CanadaKamini Khosla - School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, CanadaKari E Dunfield - School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, CanadaBeth L Parker - G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol.218, pp.110-119
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2018.10.001
- PMID
- 30342835
- ISSN
- 0169-7722
- eISSN
- 1873-6009
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/501100005049, name: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, award: IRCPJ 363783-06; name: Hydrite Chemical Co
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/2018
- Academic Unit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9983983657302771
Metrics
14 Record Views