Project Title:
Engineered Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils through Enhancement of Microbial Populations
94-1 13.05 0017
Engineered Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils through
Enhancement of Microbial Populations
Abstract:
The efficient and effective remediation of contaminated soils and
sediments presents a formidable challenge to both government and
industry. Bioremediation, one of the most promising in situ
remediation methods currently being explored, uses microorganisms
to destroy organic contaminants. Two problems associated with
bioremediation are moving microorganisms through the soil
effectively, and optimizing the environmental conditions so that
the microorganisms can efficiently metabolize the organic
contaminants. Electrokinetic bioremediation (EKB), is an
innovative technique which uses electrokinetic phenomena,
resulting from the application of an electric field between two
soil borne electrodes, to transport microorganisms and nutrients
through the soil to the site of contamination thus enhancing
bioremediation. EKB has tremendous dual use potential and should
find widespread acceptance with the public. This proposal
describes the research necessary to demonstrate the feasibility
of using electrokinetics in combination with bioremediation to
eliminate important technical barriers that hamper the efficient
widespread use of bioremediation for soil decontamination. Phase
I experiments will be conducted using bench scale systems. Phase
II will involve the demonstration of these techniques in the
field.
A 1993 report by the National Research Councils Committee on In
Situ Bioremediation projects that, by the end of this century,
bioremediation will be a $0.5 billion per-year-business. The
attractiveness and commercial potential of electrokinetic
bioremediation is based on its 1) relatively low cost, 2)
environmentally friendly nature, and 3) speed of deployment for
accidents.
Key Words
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 105
College Station, Texas 77840