Intrinsic bioremediation: an environmental restoration technology

Area of Science:

• Environmental science and engineering
• Microbiology
• Environmental chemistry

Background:

• Intrinsic bioremediation has matured significantly over the past year.
• Established methods exist for intrinsic bioremediation of fuel hydrocarbons.
• Research is expanding to other contaminant types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the maturation of intrinsic bioremediation technologies.
• To highlight the development of a comprehensive protocol for fuel hydrocarbon bioremediation.
• To indicate the extension of bioremediation studies to other contaminants.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive protocol for validation and prediction.
• Application of established methods to fuel hydrocarbon contaminants.
• Undertaking studies on chlorinated aliphatics, polychlorinated biphenyls, and high explosives.

Main Results:

• Dramatic maturation of intrinsic bioremediation technologies observed.
• A comprehensive protocol for fuel hydrocarbon bioremediation validation and prediction has been developed.
• Studies on intrinsic bioremediation of chlorinated aliphatics, polychlorinated biphenyls, and high explosives have been initiated.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic bioremediation is a rapidly advancing field.
• Standardized protocols enhance the reliability of bioremediation predictions.
• The scope of intrinsic bioremediation is expanding to address a wider range of environmental pollutants.