A two-phase partitioning bioreactor system for treating benzene-contaminated soil

Benzene-contaminated topsoil, with an organic content of 42%, was treated b y an air volatilization process, followed by a two-phase partitioning biore actor to allow benzene mineralization. The effects of moisture content and temperature on the adsorption and desorption of benzene on to soil were inv estigated, and 95% of the benzene (at a concentration equivalent to 3.7 kg benzene m(-3) soil(-1)) was removed at 50 degreesC by air volatilization. W hen 30 g soil was contaminated with 1000 mg benzene (a concentration 3 time s higher), 93% of the benzene was removed by the air volatilization techniq ue, of which 91% was consumed in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor within 2 h.