Method and apparatus for treating hydrocarbon and halogenated hydrocarbon contaminated ground and ground water

A method of treating an area of ground contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds comprising:

• (a) removing water from a location down gradient of the contaminated ground;
• (b) treating the removed water with gases and nutrients for a period time sufficient to enhance the growth of hydrocarbon-consuming microorganisms and reduce the level of contaminants;
• and then
• (c) returning the treated water to the ground at a position upgradient of ground water flow through the contaminated ground in an amount sufficient to raise the ground water level in the contaminated area to a level at which all of the contaminated ground is contacted;
• (d) injecting gases into ground water in the contaminated area;
• and
• (e) allowing said returned and additional water to flow through the contaminated area toward said removal location.

Apparatus for treating hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water with microorganisms to cause biodegradation of the hydrocarbon contaminants comprising:

• (a) means for removing hydrocarbon contaminated ground water from an area which is contaminated, said means being capable of extracting substantially all water flowing through said contaminated ground;
• (b) means for treating said removed water with nutrients and gases to increase the biodegradation activity of the microorganisms;
• (c) means for settling solid material from said treated water;
• (d) means for adding nutrients and gases to said treated water;
• (e) means for recirculating the nutrient-laden treated water to a position proximate the contaminated area, said proximate position chosen so that said water will flow through the contaminated area toward the removal means.

Apparatus for treating hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water with microorganisms to reduce the level of contamination, comprising:

• (a) means for removing substantially all water which has percolated through an area of ground in which contaminants are present from a location proximate said area;
• (b) means for transferring said removed water with hydrocarbon contaminants to a separate treatment area;
• (c) means for treating said removed water by addition of nutrients and gas to cause an increased growth of microorganisms capable of biodegrading said hydrocarbon contaminants;
• (d) means for settling the treated water;
• (e) means for adding nutrients and gases to said treated water;
• (f) means for transferring said nutrient-carrying water to a position proximate said contaminated ground such that natural or directed flow of water through said ground will carry said nutrient-carrying water through the area of contaminated ground to the removal means;
• and
• (g) means for injecting said treated nutrient-carrying water and gases into the ground at said position.