Application of biofilm covered activated carbon particles as a microbial inoculum delivery system in weathered PCB contaminated sediment

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to award a sole source contract to the University of Maryland for a period of four years. This will be a cost contract to provide further research work under project number ER-2135, entitled, quote mark Application of Biofilm-Covered Activated Carbon Particles as a Microbial Inoculum Delivery System for Enhanced Bioaugmentation of PCBs in Contaminated Sediment. quote mark These services are expected to further understand research that was originally contracted through Goucher College under contract W912HQ-11-C-0057. The objective of the SERDP Exploratory Development (SEED) Statement of Need (SON) under the Environmental Restoration program area, quote mark In Situ Remediation of Contaminated Aquatic Sediments quote mark was to develop innovative technologies for in situ remediation of contaminated aquatic sediments. Research proposals were sought that addressed issues such as (1) ability to achieve contaminant degradation or sequestration; (2) bioavailability of sequestered contaminants; (3) amendment placement, distribution, and stability; and (4) long-term effectiveness of amendment or active cap. Under this SON, Goucher College was selected and awarded for funding under contract W912HQ-11-C-0057. In the initial year of the study at Goucher College, they conducted a proof-of-concept study where biofilm inoculum on activated carbon particles was applied as a delivery system for contaminated sediment with high total PCB concentrations. The results showed that bioaugmentation with the biofilm inoculums enhanced the PCB dechlorination compared to liquid inoculums and that the biofilm bacteria survived in the sediment environment and remained active throughout the 200 day experiment. The continued research will expand on these initial results by testing the application of dechlorinating bacterial biofilms on sorptive materials for treating sediments. Furthermore, the goal is to demonstrate that the observed mass loss that was observed at higher PCB concentrations also will occur when the initial PCB concentrations are much lower as is the case for weathered PCB contaminated sediment. This will be tested by applying biofilm inoculums associated with activated carbon as a delivery system. Development and testing of a delivery system that will build upon the positive results from the biofilm based inoculums on activated carbon, developed under the initial year, will be performed. Specifically, delivery systems that apply biofilm on Fe impregnated activated carbon particles as well as activated carbon covered with anaerobic and aerobic PCB degrading bacteria in biofilm will be evaluated in order to further enhance the bioaugmentation of recalcitrant PCBs in weathered sediment. This addresses the need to develop innovative in situ technologies to remediate contaminated aquatic sediments. The results produced from this research will assist in the development of the next generation of contaminated sediment management tools, resulting in more efficient reduction of risks at lower costs.


This is a Notice of Intent to sole source for non-commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, as supplemented with additional information included in the notice 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii) Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement and/or a proposal, which shall be considered by the agency, within 15 days from the date of publication of this announcement. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. NO RFP will be issued based upon this Notice of Intent. If no responses are received, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will proceed with awarding a cost contract to the University of Maryland. Interested parties may submit any information for consideration by the Government to Jonathan.J.Current@usace.army.mil with the Special Notice number referenced in the subject line.