ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on findings from the research community in concert with experience gained at sites undergoing remediation. It provides an overview of the factors involved in in situ bioremediation, outlines the types of information required in the application of such systems, and explores the advantages and limitations of the technology. In situ bioremediation, where applicable, appears to be a potential cost-effective and environmentally acceptable remediation technology. In situ bioremediation is a technology to restore aquifers contaminated with organic compounds. The goal of in situ bioremediation is detoxification of a parent compound to a product or products that are no longer hazardous to human health and the environment. A treatability study is designed to determine if bioremediation is possible at a specific site, and whether there are any biological barriers to attaining cleanup goals. Measurements of dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels in ground-water samples are recommended to assess whether or not bioremediation is being accomplished.
