BIOREMEDIATION - AN EFFECTIVE REMEDIAL ALTERNATIVE FOR PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON-CONTAMINATED SOIL

Bioremediation technologies applied to contaminated soil usually mitigate environmental rate-limiting factors so that biodegradation rates are maximized for any given compound. A newer approach to soil bioremediation mitigates these environmental rate-limiting factors simultaneously, initially allowing biodegradation to proceed at a maximal rate without the need for additional action. This technology involves intensive mixing of contaminated soil in a ribbon blender, introduction of a protein-based, surfactant-containing nutrient additive to the soil while in the mixer, physical entrainment of oxygen-containing air into the soil, discharge of the mixed soil from the mixer, and placement of the mixed soil in curing piles, for curing, during which time biodegradation can occur. No additional treatment actions (e.g., tillage, fertilizer or water applications) are typically required. The remediation, using this approach, of a former distribution facility which possessed soil contaminated with gasoline, is summarized.