This study presents a numerical model to investigate sequential biodegradation of dissolved benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) within a fractured aquifer system under the presence of multiple electron acceptors and microbes. The present model differs from existing biodegradation models in fractures by adopting the dual-porosity conceptualization in the model formulation. The primary objective of the modeling investigation is to analyze influence of fracture–matrix (F–M) interactions on the biodegradation rate of dissolved BTX within a fractured rock. This modeling investigation can be used as an initial tool to predict the effectiveness of bioremediation enhancement strategies, such as biostimulation, bioaugmentation, etc., within a fractured aquifer contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. In this study, aerobic, denitrifying, and sulfate reduction biodegradation reactions of BTX constituents are considered to occur within the fractured rock system. Model results suggest that the biodegradation significantly reduces the migration length of dissolved BTX along directions parallel and perpendicular to fracture length. The biodegradation rate of benzene in fracture and matrix is found to be more influenced by the injection rate of dissolved oxygen and aerobic microbe at the fracture inlet. However, the biodegradation rate of toluene and xylene is found to be more under anaerobic biodegradation conditions. A sensitivity analysis has also been carried out to analyze the sensitivity of flow, fracture, and matrix parameters on the concentration distribution of BTX, electron acceptors, and biomass within the F–M system.
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