ABSTRACT
Bioremediation is currently receiving considerable attention as a remediation option for sites contaminated with hazardous organic compounds. A review of the literature indicates that two basic forms of bioremediation are currently being practiced: the microbiological approach and the microbial ecology approach. If a site contains a contaminated aquifer, the microbial ecology approach appears to be the most capable means of remediating the aquifer in situ. Microbial biodegradative activity may have also resulted in reductions of concentrations of other dissolved inorganic compounds in the groundwater that are typically used by microorganisms to metabolize the contaminants once oxygen had been depleted. The Alyeska Ballast Water Treatment Facility, Valdez, Alaska is operated by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and treats the ballast water off-loaded from crude oil tanker ships before the water is discharged to Port Valdez. The ballast water is derived from surface waters and collected in areas adjacent to the numerous ports-of-call where the crude oil shipments had been unloaded.
