Excessive Bacterial Decomposition of H 2 O 2 During Enhanced Biodegradation

Enhanced aerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the subsurface requires large quantities of oxygen to be distributed throughout the contaminated zone. Although hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used source of oxygen, its uncontrolled decomposition can result in wasteful off‐ gassing. Our results indicate that bacterial catalase is responsible for rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at a jet fuel spill site undergoing enhanced biodegradation. Catalase positive bacteria found in infiltration galleries have dramatically decreased the useful oxygen supplied to the subsurface.