Hydrocarbon bioremediation -- An overview

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:490911

Reisinger, H J ^[1]

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1. Integrated Science and Technology, Inc., Marietta, GA (United States)

Bioremediation is the process that transforms xenobiotics introduced into the environment to a less toxic or innocuous form, or mineralizes them to inorganic species. The processes can be carried out through either aerobic or anaerobic pathways by indigenous heterotrophs or by specially engineered organisms. For some xenobiotics, the process can also be carried out by cometabolic processes, which use another compound as the carbon and energy source. This technique can be applied either in situ or ex situ. An overview is presented of real-world applications of a variety of hydrocarbon bioremediation approaches, including biopiling, bioventing, bioslurping, landfarming, electrobioreclamation, and biovertical circulation wells. Problems in translating laboratory and field-scale pilot test data to full-scale operating systems are discussed. Such issues include biodegradation enhancement, nutrient and electron acceptor delivery, alternative electron acceptors, and integration of biological, chemical, and physical approaches to hydrocarbon remediation.

• OSTI ID: 490911
• Report Number(s): CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-007-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
BIODEGRADATION
HYDROCARBONS
OIL SPILLS
REMEDIAL ACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT