Groundwater Pollution Arising from the Disposal of Creosote Waste

Abstract

ABSTRACT Creosote‐contaminated groundwater contains a complex mixture of phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen‐, sulphur‐ or oxygen‐containing heterocyclic, aromatic compounds. One of the most important factors that limits the spreading of these contaminants in groundwater aquifers is degradation by subsurface micro‐organisms. This paper gives an overview of the present knowledge about microbial degradation of creosote contaminants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, various techniques for biological remediation of creosote‐contaminated groundwater are outlined. These techniques include enhancement of the native population of subsurface micro‐organisms to degrade the contaminants ( in situ treatment) and withdrawal of the groundwater followed by treatment by various wastewater treatment processes (above‐ground treatment).