USE OF INDIGENOUS AND ADAPTED MICROBIAL ASSEMBLAGES IN THE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC-CHEMICALS FROM SOILS AND SEDIMENTS

Among the consequences of discharging industrial wastes to land and water bodies is the widespread accumulation of toxic chemical mixtures in surface and subsurface environments. It is believed that the distriution of toxic materials in the environment constitutes a durat to ecological and human health. Bioremediation of contaminated soils and sedinients using indigenous and adapted microbial consortia offers die possibility of rapid and cost-effective removal of organic and organometallic compounds to low levels and nontoxic products. The purpose of diis communication is to discuss the theory and practice of bioremediation as it applies to contaninated sediments, and present data on die removal and detoxification of refinery wastes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.