An aerobic groundwater (Dissolved Oxygen = 2-4 mg/L) is contaminated with 100-150 u/L each of TCE (C2HCl3), cis-DCE (C2H2Cl2), and VC (C2H3Cl). Methane is added to stimulate aerobic cometabolism of these contaminants.
(a) Explain how the addition of methane can facilitate the microbial removal of these chlorinated compounds. (b) Which of the three compounds, TCE, cis-DCE, or VC, would you expect to be removed fastest? Which one is the slowest? Why?
(c) Do you think additional O2 will be required? Why?

Question

An aerobic groundwater (Dissolved Oxygen = 2-4 mg/L) is contaminated with 100-150 u/L each of TCE (C2HCl3), cis-DCE (C2H2Cl2), and VC (C2H3Cl). Methane is added to stimulate aerobic cometabolism of these contaminants.
(a) Explain how the addition of methane can facilitate the microbial removal of these chlorinated compounds. (b) Which of the three compounds, TCE, cis-DCE, or VC, would you expect to be removed fastest? Which one is the slowest? Why? 
(c) Do you think additional O2 will be required? Why?

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