Biodegradation of dicyclopentadiene in the field

Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) is formed during the pyrolysis of alkanes to produ ce olefins suitable for manufacturing synthetic polymers. DCPD has an irrit ating odor with a 5 ppb detection level that provides the impetus for remed iation efforts. One method of destroying odors is to alter the structure of the chemical. This can be accomplished by biological oxidation using micro organisms. Field studies at two sites, where DCPD was a soil contaminant, i ndicated that biodegradation contributed significantly to DCPD removal. DCP D degradation was stimulated by decreasing bulk soil density and adding nit rogen and phosphorous nutrients. The presence of other easier degradable ar omatic hydrocarbons may also be beneficial, suggesting that the process is cometabolic.