Feasibility and Other Considerations for Use of Bioremediation in Subsurface Areas

Abstract

The movement and persistence of hydrocarbons in soil and aquifer matrices are controlled by physical, biological, and chemical processes, making remediation of subsurfaces complex and difficult. Pump and treat systems constitute the most commonly employed technology used to clean up aquifers, but it is widely recognized that progress is slow. Bioremediation, the process of stimulating microbes to rapidly degrade hydrocarbons within a reasonable time frame, is a possible alternative for remediation of soils and groundwater. However, for in situ applications, a multi-disciplinary approach is required to extensively characterize and define the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the subsurface and of the hydrocarbons.