Introduction to BIOPLUME III

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Introduction to BIOPLUME III
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BIOPLUME III

• Model engine written by Hanadi Rifai
• GUI developed by ZEi/MicroEngineering, Inc.
• Version 1.0 released September, 1997
• New version due September, 2000
• Available from the U.S. EPA at http//www.epa.gov/
  ada/csmos.html

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Differences from BIOPLUME II

• Graphical User Interface
• Models 6 components (Hydrocarbon, 5 electron
  acceptors)
• Allows 3 kinds of reaction kinetics
• First order
• Monod
• Instantaneous

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Biodegradation Solution

• Research indicates aerobic and anaerobic
  biodegradation paths
• Electron acceptors available in the following
  preferential order
• Oxygen
• Nitrate
• Iron(III)
• Sulfate
• Carbon Dioxide

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Sequential Reactions

• Nitrate only used when all oxygen depleted
• Iron(III) only used when all nitrate depleted
• Each subsequent electron acceptor is only
  available when the previous one is depleted

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Kinetic Methods

• Each reaction can be simulated via one of three
  possible methods
• First-order decay - Note error in decay code
• Instantaneous reaction
• Monod kinetics
• Each reaction is limited to the available
  electron acceptor supply
• Monod kinetics does not simulate microbial growth

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Error in Decay Code

• First-Order Decay designed to be used in two
  modes
• Radioactive decay HC decays, not limited by
  available electron acceptors. This option works.
• Electron acceptor-limited decay HC reduction and
  rate coefficients tied to each electron acceptor
  in the decay sequence.
• The Electron acceptor-limited decay option has
  serious bugs.
• Do Not Use this option.

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Applicability and Limitations

• Developed to simulate natural attenuation of
  hydrocarbons using O2, NO3-, Fe3, SO42-, and CO2
• Can be used to answer following questions
• How long will plume extend if no controls?
• How long will plume persist until NA?
• How long will plume extend/persist if
  controls/remediation are applied?

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Other Uses of BIOPLUME III

• Bioremediation with added electron acceptors
• Low flow rate Air Sparging
• Advection/Dispersion/Sorption with no
  biodegradation

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Notes on Usability

• BIOPLUME III (Version 1.0) has several bugs
• Contaminant concentrations at constant head cells
• Crashes Save fairly often
• Occasional cosmetic naming problem
• Electron acceptors names get messed up
• Problem with first-order decay