--> Abstract: Bioremediation System Design Strategies, by B. Molnaa and R. Orens; #90992 (1993).

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

MOLNAA, BARRY, and RICHARD ORENS, Groundwater Technology, Torrance, CA

ABSTRACT: Bioremediation System Design Strategies

Bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils has continued to gain regulatory acceptance. With this increased acceptance has come the need for appropriate guidelines and protocols for proper implementation of bioremediation projects.

Site limitations due to geological, hydrological, or biological constraints can lead to the failure of a project. Successful bioremediation requires a complete understanding of these properties.

Certain parameters must be optimized for a bioremediation program to be successful. The parameters include but are not limited to (1) oxygen concentration, (2) nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations, (3) temperature, and (4) pH. These optimums can change with a change in contaminant type and/or concentrations.

This paper concentrates on field implementation and monitoring of the parameters, giving insight into the design criteria as well as outlining areas where assumptions are currently made due to the lack of valid data for designing systems. Using these assumptions, it is possible to calculate the potential oxygen requirements of a system and properly size any aeration equipment that may be required, or to calculate the dosage rates of chemical aeration systems. Nitrogen and phosphorous requirements and use rates can be calculated and closely monitored in the field to assess and optimize the application rates of the various nutrient solutions.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90992©1993 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Long Beach, California, May 5-7, 1993.