In Situ Bioremediation

Tuning in the Lab Saves Time and Money at Application Scale

Abstract

For more than 20 years we have tested various approaches for enhancement of bioremediation of sites polluted by organic contaminants. Through collaboration with contractors and site owners, more than 10 actual sites presenting typical problems have been targets for testing and optimization, first by laboratory modeling, and then by applying  lab experiences in application scale. Samples from the sites were used in controlled laboratory conditions to build micro- and mesocosm- setups in which biological, physical, and chemical treatments were tested and combined, with the main goal of achieving optimal biostimulation and contaminant degradation. As soon as lab results were available, these were utilized for in situ field purposes. Lab and field tests were run in parallel, so that each new challenge in the field treatment generated modifications in the laboratory testing, and each new full scale treatment method was preceded by laboratory modeling. Successful bioremediation was achieved in most of the target cases. Lab testing also created the knowledge when not to use bioremediation, and this can be regarded as one of the utilities of our results. Fresh oil spills resulting from accidents is a new research topic. While old contaminated sites often can rely on an adapted indigenous microbial community, new spill sites may be less responsive to mere biostimulation, and therefore more active treatment measures may be required. The results from this oil spill simulation performed at a lysimeter field are currently being gathered.