In situ and Ex situ bioremediation
- In situ bioremedation technology was originally developed as a less costly, more effective alternative to the standard pump-and-treat methods used to clean up aquifers and soils contaminated with organic chemicals (e.g., fuel hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents), but has since expanded in breadth to address explosives, inorganics (e.g., nitrates), and toxic metals (e.g., chromium). ISB has the potential to provide advantages such as complete destruction of the contaminant(s), lower risk to site workers, and lower equipment/operating costs.
- In situ bioremediation is a method used to filter and clean aquifers and different soils. In situ means in its original place. I would suggest in situ because it provides as a cleaner and more efficient use. It is more cost effective than previous standard pump-and-treat-methods and more efficient. Some advantages for the use of in situ consist of being very cost effective. It may be possible to transform contaminants to innocuous. Very little waste is emitted. There is a reduced risk of human exposure. There is less intrusion because there are not many surface structures required. Some disadvantages is some contaminants can possibly not be transformed to innocuous. Some contaminants are not biodegradable. Difficult to stop exploitation. Area around might need restoration. It is hard to keep area from other species.
- Ex-situ bioremediation is a biological process in which excavated soil is placed in a lined aboveground treatment area and aerated following processing to enhance the degradation of organic contaminants by the indigenous microbial population. Under aerobic conditions, specific microorganisms can utilise organic contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), phenols, cresols and some pesticides as a source of carbon and energy and degrade them ultimately to carbon dioxide and water.
- Ex situ bioremediation is when new soil is put on top of the old soil. This is followed up by the ground getting aerated by putting holes into the ground so it can take in more nutrients. Within this process organisms use contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), phenols, cresols, and some pesticides to acquire carbon and energy to form carbon dioxide and water. Ex situ bioremediation is recommended because of how controlled, fast, and easy to use. Some advantages would be it's controlled, fast, and easy to use. It is very uniform because of the ability to mix soil. The disadvantages would include the digging up of soil leads to more expenses and engineering for equipment. More risk of exposure within the conditions. Require treatment before and sometimes after the process.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioremediation
Advatages of Bioremediation
- Possible to completely break down organic contaminants into nontoxic chemicals
- Equipment requirements are minimal compared to other remediation technology
- Can be implemented in situ or ex situ based on the situation
- Low cost treatment per volume of soil/groundwater compared to other remediation technology
- Low-tech equipment used an readily available, such as pumps, drilling equipment, etc.
-Positive public perception since it is a natural process
- Less energy and manpower required in cleanup compared to other technologies
Disadvantages of Bioremediation
- If the process is not controlled, it is possible that the organic contaminants may not be fully broken down, resulting in toxic by-products that could be more harmful than the original contaminant
- The process is sensitive to the toxicity and the environmental conditions of the ground, requiring the conditions of the contamination to be conductive with the bioremediation technique used.
- Field monitoring to track the rate of biodegradation of the organic contamination is required
- Treatment time is usually longer than that of other remediation technology
- The range of contaminants that can be treated is limited to biodegradable compunds
- Bioremediation leaves residual levels of contamination that may be too high, persistent, or toxic for the process to be considered effective
The future of bioremediation is bright, with progress being made each ande very day. The future of bioremediation includes finding ways to remediate areas affected by highly toxic chemicals such as cadium, lead, and sodium chloride. The futurte could also holy ways to make remediation faster and more efficient to allow more sites to be treated in a shorter period of time. Another area the future holds promise is reducing the effect temperature and ph have on bioremediation, allowing bioremediation to be used in a more diverse group of areas. All in all, the future of bioremediation holds much promise, with the innnovations of tomorrow helping to make the world a better place.
