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Bio-remediationCEA has used bio-remediation on many projects and has found it a highly successful way to remove pollutants. Additionally, our clients have saved money by avoiding the high cost of soil transportation and disposal. Bio-remediation takes advantage of the microorganisms naturally present in the soils. These microorganisms actively consume fuel-derived toxic compounds then transform them into harmless carbon dioxide. Studies had shown that the rate of these bio-transformations could be greatly increased by the addition of nutrients. By "stimulating" the natural microbial community through nutrient addition, it is theoretically possible to increase rates of biodegradation and thereby shield the site from further contamination. The benefits to using bio-remediation are clear. It is cheaper to treat contaminated soil in place. Most of the costs associated with traditional cleanup technologies are associated with physically removing and disposing of contaminated soils. Because engineered bio-remediation can be carried out in place by delivering nutrients to contaminated soils, it does not incur removal-disposal costs. Additionally, bio-remediation harnesses a natural process. At some sites, natural microbial processes can remove or contain contaminants without human intervention. In these cases where intrinsic bio-remediation (natural attenuation) is appropriate, substantial cost savings can be realized. Lastly, bio-remediation reduces environmental stress. Bioremediation methods minimize site disturbance compared with conventional cleanup technologies; post-cleanup costs can be substantially reduced. |
