Rapid anaerobic benzene oxidation with a variety of chelated Fe(III) forms

Fe(III) chelators such as EDTA, N-methyliminodiacetic acid, ethanol diglycine, humic acid, and phosphates induce benzene biodegradation of the aquifers contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons. The chelated Fe(III) acts as an electron acceptor and is reduced during anaerobic benzene oxidation. The rate of degradation depends on the accessability of Fe(III) oxides to the aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading Fe(III) reducers.