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BIOREMEDIATION
Superfund Remedial Action Technology Selected
FY94
Breakdown of Sites by Type of Contaminant
Percentage of Sites Treating Each Medium
Groundwater
32%
Soil
59% Sediment
6%
Sludge
2%
Surface Water
1%
Breakdown of Process by Treatment Technology
(includes laboratory-, pilot-, and full-scale)
Ex-situ (without
reactor)
17%
Ex-situ (with
reactor)
15%
In situ
68%
Top 9 BIOREMEDIATION METHODS
Fixed Film
4% Solid Phase, pile
treatment
All Other Method 4%
Attached Growth
11%
5%
Air Sparging
6%
Natural
Bioventing Attenuation
25% 6%
Solid Phase,
prepared bed
11%
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Environmental Bio to Conservation
Da Gr Technology
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Wastewater Treatment
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Biodegradation
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Resource for Development
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Bio
Renewable Resources
What is BIOREMEDIATION
The technology used to speed up the natural processes of waste
degradation and recycling
US. EPA/540/N-93/001
Bioaugumentation
Biostimulation
Bioventing
treating soil by drawing oxygen though it to stimulate
microbe growth
Composting
contaminated soils mixed with a bulking agent and exposed
to air
Landfarming
adaptation of traditional farming techniques (aerating,
ploughing) to contaminated areas to increase microbes
activity
Treatment Options for
Contaminated Soils
from Natusch, 1997.
Remediation Method % Use in Australia
60-90
Excavation-landfill 10-30
15-20
Containment on-site <5
Landfarming/Bio 5-10
<5
Co-burning <5
Stabilisation <5
<1
Thermal desorption
Soil washing
Vapour extraction
Dechlorination
Limitations to
Bioremediation
Timescale
Residual Contaminants Levels
Inconsistency
Recalcitrant Pollutants eg DDT, PAHs
Bioavailability
Degrading microorganisms
Aqueous solubility
Toxicity
Conclusion
BIOREMEDIATION:
Is a process which uses naturally occurring
microorganisms to enhance normal biological breakdown.
It is an effective method for treating many hazardous
materials.
Of all the different processes available for clean-up of
sites, Bioremediation is the best and most cost effective
method for remediation, with respect to environmental
liability.
The nature and location of the contamination, the type
of soils and geological conditions, determine which method
of remediation is best for each individual clean-up site.
What is Next
Plan the Work, and Work the Plan
An Engineering Perspective
Cookson, 1995
END OF INTRODUCTION TO
BIOREMEDIATION