1. Introduction to BIOPLUME III

2. BIOPLUME III Model engine written by Hanadi Rifai
GUI developed by ZEi/MicroEngineering, Inc.
Version 1.0 released September, 1997
New version due September, 2000
Available from the U.S. EPA at

3. Differences from BIOPLUME II
Graphical User Interface
Models 6 components (Hydrocarbon, 5 electron acceptors)
Allows 3 kinds of reaction kinetics
First order
Monod
Instantaneous

4. Biodegradation Solution
Research indicates aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation paths
Electron acceptors available in the following preferential order:
Oxygen
Nitrate
Iron(III)
Sulfate
Carbon Dioxide

5. Sequential Reactions Nitrate only used when all oxygen depleted
Iron(III) only used when all nitrate depleted
Each subsequent electron acceptor is only available when the previous one is depleted

6. Kinetic Methods
Each reaction can be simulated via one of three possible methods:
First-order decay - Note: error in decay code
Instantaneous reaction
Monod kinetics
Each reaction is limited to the available electron acceptor supply
Monod kinetics does not simulate microbial growth

7. Error in Decay Code Do Not Use this option.
First-Order Decay designed to be used in two modes
Radioactive decay: HC decays, not limited by available electron acceptors. This option works.
Electron acceptor-limited decay: HC reduction and rate coefficients tied to each electron acceptor in the decay sequence.
The Electron acceptor-limited decay option has serious bugs.
Do Not Use this option.

8. Applicability and Limitations
Developed to simulate natural attenuation of hydrocarbons using O2, NO3-, Fe3+, SO42-, and CO2
Can be used to answer following questions:
How long will plume extend if no controls?
How long will plume persist until NA?
How long will plume extend/persist if controls/remediation are applied?

9. Other Uses of BIOPLUME III
Bioremediation with added electron acceptors
Low flow rate Air Sparging
Advection/Dispersion/Sorption with no biodegradation

10. Notes on Usability BIOPLUME III (Version 1.0) has several bugs
Contaminant concentrations at constant head cells
Crashes – Save fairly often
Occasional cosmetic naming problem
Electron acceptors names get messed up
Problem with first-order decay