Chapter Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites in the Canadian Arctic: Monitoring Performance and the Effects of Biostimulation Using Molecular Methods

The bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil in polar, remote environments presents numerous challenges. In addition to extreme cold temperatures, short periods of above zero temperatures, low water and nutrient content of the soils, the distance and the cost of material, and equipment transport limit bioremediation options. Nevertheless, bioremediation remains a feasible alternative to treat hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in these regions because more invasive technologies (such as excavation and off-site treatment, incineration, etc.) are unlikely to be cost effective.