Field monitoring of aerobic biodegradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene

This study was performed in conjunction with a pilot-scale bioventing system located at a former chemical disposal pit at Hill AFB, Utah. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of ex situ and in situ monitoring methods for determining O-2 utilization rates in the vadose zone. The field monitoring techniques implemented at the site included in situ O-2 sensors, an ex situ On-Line Environmental Monitoring System (OEMS), and manual sampling with gas analysis by hand-held instruments. Quarterly respiration tests were used to compare the precision and accuracy of the different methods. The results from the three methods of monitoring O-2 utilization rates were relatively comparable. Overall, the in situ O-2 sensors were the most effective method for recording reliable data during the respiration tests performed in this study.