ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses aquifer restoration measures involving treatment in place. It provides brief information on in situ chemical treatment along with more extensive information on the use of both natural and enhanced microbiological processes. In situ treatment generally involves the installation of a bank of injection wells at the head of, or within the plume of, contaminated ground water. In situ chemical treatment is viable only under particular hydrogeological and geochemical conditions. Other aquifer restoration measures, such as withdrawal and treatment, may be more appropriate for consideration in meeting a given need. Biological treatment can be used to clean up contaminated aquifers. Microbes can degrade most organic compounds; however, many man-made compounds are relatively refractive. One approach for restoring contaminated aquifers is the addition of microbes to degrade the pollutants. Enhancement of the native population and withdrawal and treatment seem to currently be the most effective methods for biological restoration of aquifers contaminated by organic compounds.
