Description technique
The potential of naturally present bacteria to degrade the contamination in an oxic environment is stimulated by optimizing the conditions for biological degradation. In an oxic environment degradation takes place through oxidation of the contamination. To stimulate this degradation process, an electron acceptor is added to the soil. The most common electron acceptor is oxygen. If there is a shortage of nutrients, they are also added. If the required bacteria are not in sufficient numbers present, they can also be added to the soil. The addition of oxygen is typically done by means of air injection (biosparging). It is also possible to add a component which releases oxygen.
Applicability
This technique is used for volatile aromatics (BTEX), mineral oils, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as low VC, lower PAHs (2 and 3 rings), naphthalene and some pesticides in the saturated zone of the soil. The injection of electron acceptor requires a moderate to well drained soil. Enhanced (aerobic) biological degradation can be applied to the source and the plume.
Comments
Depending on the size and type of contamination, the duration can vary from months to years. The site disturbance is low with this technique.
Related cases and HIP-pilots
Related cases: Aerobic bioremediation of oil and BTEX (The Hague)***, Almelo: CVOC**, Anaerobic and aerobic degradation, diverse contamination***, Bergen op Zoom (busstation): Mineral oil, BTEX en PAH’s***, Boekelo (Texoprint): CVOC ***, Doetinchem (Saronix): CVOC, mineral oil and BTEX***, Eindhoven (Marconiplein): Mineral oil and BTEX***, IJsselmonde: mineral oil, naphtalene, PAHs and creosote ***, ISCO and bioremediation of THF (Dordrecht)*, Kampen (IJsseldijk): Mineral oil, BTEX, naphthalene**, Leidschendam (Neherpark): CVOC and BTEX***, Lochem: mineral oil,BTEX,PAH,naphthalene,creosote ***, Petrol station: combined techniques for BTEXN and oil (Putten)***, Putten (Garage Koster): Mineral oil, BTEX, Naphthalene***, Rotterdam Europoort: mineral oil and BTEX, Veere (Neeltje Jans): Mineral oil***, Wageningen: CVOC and TEX ***
Related HIP-pilots: