Hydrogen isotopic enrichment: An indicator of biodegradation at a petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated field site

Compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis was used to investigate biodegradation of benzene and ethylbenzene in contaminated groundwater at Dow Benelux BV industrial Site. delta(13)C values for dissolved benzene and ethylbenzene in downgradient samples were enriched by up to 2 +/- 0.5parts per thousand in C-13, compared to the delta(13)C value of the source area samples. delta(2)H values for dissolved benzene and ethylbenzene in downgradient samples exhibited larger isotopic enrichments of up to 27 +/- 5parts per thousand for benzene and up to 50 +/- 5parts per thousand for ethylbenzene relative to the source area. The observed carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionation in downgradient samples provides evidence of biodegradation of both benzene and ethylbenzene within the study area at Dow Benelux BV. The estimated extents of biodegradation of benzene derived from carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions for each sample are in agreement, supporting the conclusion that biodegradation is the primary control on the observed differences in carbon and hydrogen isotope values. Combined carbon and hydrogen isotope analyses provides the ability to compare biodegradation in the field based on two different parameters, and hence provides a stronger basis for assessment of biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants.