ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses anaerobic biotransformation of petroleum-derived ground-water contaminants, discusses both laboratory and field evaluation of the process, and describes important site conditions that would influence a successful bioremediation. In-situ bioremediation technology for the decontamination of soil and ground water contaminated with petroleum-derived hydrocarbons involves the stimulation of naturally occurring microorganisms that are capable of degrading the organic contaminants. Microorganisms convert the contaminants into harmless products, principally CO2, cell mass, inorganic salts, and water. When oxygen is consumed, anaerobic microorganisms may grow using alternate electron acceptors. Nitrate is the only alternate electron acceptor with demonstrated potential for use in large scale in-situ bioremediation applications involving petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. The other possible alternate electron acceptors (iron(III), sulfate, and CO2) have been found in systems that may be classified as passive bioremediation, such as in landfill leachate plumes and at spill sites.
