Biorestoration of aquifers contaminated with organic compounds

Abstract

Several forms of biological treatment can be used to treat contaminated aquifers. In situ treatment increases the activity of the indigenous organisms by the addition of nutrients and electron acceptor. Withdrawal and treatment technologies rely on removal of the ground water and any of several wastewater treatment processes to biodegrade the organics. Addition of acclimated or genetically engineered organisms may overcome the time necessary for acclimation to the contaminants, but requires that the added population establish itself in the environment and be able to locate and continue to degrade the compounds of interest at what are often very low concentrations. Most of these techniques utilize aerobic organisms, but the potential for treatment with anaerobic organisms exists. Mathematical models that include biological decay terms are useful tools in the design and evaluation of biological treatment options. Biological treatment techniques are a valuable tool for the restoration of contaminated aquifers.