Microbe–Mineral Interaction-Induced Microorganism-Augmented Permeable Reactive Barriers for Remediation of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater: A Review
Wenbing Wang, Meng Zhang, Hao Qiu, Tiantian Gong, Minghui Xiang, Hui Li
Abstract
Conventional zerovalent iron permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are limited by unknown iron corrosion kinetics and permeability loss, hindering access to desirable remediation targets. Against this background, microbe–mineral interaction-induced microorganism-augmented PRBs (Bio-PRBs) are considered a promising cutting-edge technology for increasing reaction rate k and enhancing removal efficiency η. This study provides original insights into the various active media and microbial carriers and the mechanisms of interaction among microorganisms, active media, and various contaminants. The results showed that microorganism-activated and microorganism-immobilized Bio-PRBs increased k and η by 40–2650% and 25–400%, respectively. In Bio-PRBs, the removal of contaminants involves the coupling of biodegradation, chemical reduction, and adsorption processes. Microorganisms promote the liquefaction of metal minerals into metal ions, thus forming a positive cycle by “microbe–mineral” interaction. Moreover, nonmetallic fillers affect k through synergistic effects of biodegradation, biological reduction, and electron donor groups. Microorganisms accelerate the e – transfer to promote the contaminants’ transformation, and nonmetallic fillers are also conducive to improving diversity and abundance. Furthermore, some suggestions are made regarding the development and application of Bio-PRBs. Bio-PRBs provide efficient and novel approaches and strategies for eliminating soil and groundwater contamination based on microbe–mineral interaction and stimulation.