Chu, Yeon Gyoung Kim, Sang Hyun Lee, Jaesang Lee, Seunghak Chung, Jaeshik 2026-02-19T06:30:14Z 2026-02-19T06:30:14Z 2026-02-19 2026-03 0960-8524 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/154320 This study investigated the microbial impact on the long-term reactivity and pore-structure changes of granular activated carbon (GAC)-based permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for treating total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) through a series of column experiments. The erosion of superfine GAC particles, caused by rapid local pore flow, led to irregular TPH breakthrough from the columns. The coupled effect of transport and biodegradation demonstrated that microbial activity could potentially reduce the durability of the barrier. Micro X-ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) and tracer tests were used to identify changes in the pore structure and transport characteristics before and after column operation. Microbial activity markedly reduced mobile and effective porosity, increased non-effective pores, and intensified depth-dependent heterogeneity and connectivity loss. These findings provide important insights for predicting the lifespan of GAC-based PRBs and optimizing their design by accounting for biologically driven structural changes as well as physicochemical adsorption processes. English Elsevier BV Multi-scale investigation of long-term performance of permeable reactive barrier systems subjected to (bio)passivation Article 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.133955 1 Bioresource Technology, v.444 Bioresource Technology 444 Y scie scopus 001671257600001 2-s2.0-105029544946 Agricultural Engineering Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology Energy & Fuels Agriculture Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology Energy & Fuels Article ACTIVATED CARBON CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER PETROLEUM-HYDROCARBONS POROUS-MEDIA ADSORPTION BIODEGRADATION BIOSTIMULATION REMEDIATION DEGRADATION COMMUNITY Long-term reactivity Pore structure PRB GAC micro-CT