Development of Bioremediation Strategy for Contaminated Soils, Surface and Groundwater, 1990 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Once contamination has occurred in soil and groundwater, remedial strategies need to be implemented which ensure the development, irritation and operation of the most effective and efficient treatment technologies. This strategy needs to be comprehensive in its scope and often innovative in its approach. Initial site assessment and characterization activities should be performed to provide a true reflection of all site conditions which will impact the remedial program. Once this data has been gathered, an evaluation of applicable remedial technologies is conducted. When biological remediation is selected as the appropriate treatment technology, development of a bioremediation strategy for contaminated soils, surface, and groundwater can be implemented.

Biodegradation, the microbial transformation of organic compounds, has long been recognized as an effective process for the removal of toxic chemicals from the environment. Biodegradation offers a relatively inexpensive yet highly efficient method of removing toxic chemicals from contaminated soils and groundwater. In addition, the contaminants are terminally destroyed, providing the most environmentally sound approach and eliminating the clients future liability associated with the contaminated material.

Bioremediation, the controlled use of biodegradation to remove toxic chemicals from soil and groundwater, is an effective and efficient remedial technology for many complex sites but should be considered in combination with other physical and chemical treatment strategies. The purpose of this paper is to identify the strategies used to successfully implement biological degradation of toxic chemicals and to demonstrate through actual field experiences the effectiveness of bioremediation on contaminated sites.