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The biodegradation of cyanide in groundwater at gasworks sites, Australia: implications for site management

S.M.E. Meehan (School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia)
T.R. Weaver (School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia)
C.R. Lawrence (School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia)

Environmental Management and Health

ISSN: 0956-6163

Article publication date: 1 March 1999

944

Abstract

Cyanide is extremely toxic to both human and aquatic life and exists as a contaminant in soils and groundwater at decommissioned gasworks sites due to past industrial practices. This included the processing and disposal of gas purification wastes which contained cyanide. The biodegradability of cyanide at gasworks sites in south‐eastern Australia is investigated to determine the viability of in situ bioremediation. Two study sites show cyanide concentrations in groundwater of up to 5,300mg/L CN (total) in the vicinty of these sites. Laboratory experiments using column microcosms indicate both aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of cyanide in water. Rates of degradation are typically first order with degradation microbiologically driven and are not simple oxidation‐reduction reactions. The rate of degradation is variable, depending on the existence of microbes, concentration and temperature. Even though both sites have cyanide contamination, only one requires remediation. In situ bioremediation is possible at this site thus providing an acceptable outcome to both site owner and the environment.

Keywords

Citation

Meehan, S.M.E., Weaver, T.R. and Lawrence, C.R. (1999), "The biodegradation of cyanide in groundwater at gasworks sites, Australia: implications for site management", Environmental Management and Health, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 64-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/09566169910257112

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited

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