Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents

Overview Guidance Application Training Additional Resources

Overview

Bioremediation uses microorganisms to degrade organic contaminants in soil, sludge, and solids either excavated or in situ. The microorganisms break down contaminants by using them as a food source or cometabolizing them with a food source. Aerobic processes require an oxygen source, and the end products typically are carbon dioxide and water. Anaerobic processes are conducted in the absence of oxygen, and the end products can include methane, hydrogen gas, sulfide, elemental sulfur, and dinitrogen gas. Ex situ bioremediation includes slurry-phase bioremediation, in which the soils are mixed in water to form a slurry to keep solids suspended and microorganisms in contact with the soil contaminants, and solid-phase bioremediation, in which the soils are placed in a cell or building and tilled with added water and nutrients. Land farming, biopiles, and composting are examples of ex situ, solid-phase bioremediation. In situ bioremediation is bioremediation in place, rather than ex situ. In situ techniques stimulate and create a favorable environment for microorganisms to grow and use contaminants as a food and energy source. Generally, this means providing some combination of oxygen, nutrients, and moisture, and controlling the temperature and pH. Sometimes, microorganisms that have been adapted for degradation of specific contaminants are applied to enhance the process.

4.2 Enhanced Bioremediation (In Situ Soil Remediation Technology)
In Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix and Reference Guide, Version 3.0. Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable.

4.33 Co-Metabolic Processes (In Situ Ground Water Remediation Technology)
In Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix and Reference Guide, Version 3.0. Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable.

A Citizen's Guide to Bioremediation
EPA 542-F-01-001, 2001

Download Spanish Translation (3.0MB/PDF)

The Citizen's Guide Series are 2-page fact sheets that provide a general description on approaches to clean up contaminated was sites. The fact sheets cover five questions about each clean up approach: What is it?, How does it work?, Is it safe?, How long will it take?, and Why use it?.

Guía del Ciudadano para la Biocorrección
EPA 542-F-01-001S, 2001

La Serie de Guías del Ciudadano son boletines de dos páginas con datos que proveen una descripción general en cómo sanear sitios contaminados. Estos boletines con datos que cubren cinco preguntas acerca de cada procedimiento de saneamiento: ¿Qúe es?, ¿Cómo trabaja?, ¿Es seguro?, ¿Cúanto tiempo requerirá?, y ¿Por qué debe de usarse?

In Situ Bioremediation of DNAPL Source Zones
2005

This document was prepared by Lisa Moretti, a National Network of Environmental Management studies grantee, under a fellowship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The objective of this report is to provide an overview of in situ bioremediation of DNAPL source areas. This report discusses the integral steps when implementing bioremediation, such as site characterization, design considerations, and post-treatment monitoring. In addition, this report also examines the use of bioremediation as a polishing treatment for the source zone. Case studies are included as examples of the use of bioremediation as a stand-alone and a polishing treatment for DNAPL source areas.

Treatment Technologies for Site Cleanup: Annual Status Report (ASR), Twelfth Edition
EPA 542-R-07-012, 2007

The Twelfth Edition of this report, published by the EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) in September 2007, documents treatment technology applications at more than 1,900 soil and groundwater cleanup projects at National Priorities List (NPL) sites. The status of more than 1,200 projects included in the ASR Eleventh Edition is updated, and information about 192 new projects derived from Records of Decision (ROD) signed from 2002 through 2005 is added. The report also includes a special section about on-site containment remedies. The ASR is based on the analysis of nearly 3,000 RODs signed since 1982 at 1,536 NPL sites. The online version includes new downloadable spreadsheets with the data for several of the key tables and figures in the report. Specific information about each technology application included in the ASR Twelfth Edition is available in the ASR Remediation Database.

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Last updated on Monday, July 28, 2008