Methods

Bioremediation technology can be identified or subdivided into two classification: In Situ or Ex Situ which further divides into mycoremediation, microbial bioremediation, and phytoremediation.

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In Situ

In situ literally means "on site" or "in position" in latin. In situ bioremediation technology involves the on-site treatment of a contaminated region. This technique is the most common way to dispose of contaminants due to its resource efficiency. In situ bioremediation include subdivisions such as: Bioventing and Biopiling (4.14).

Bioventing

Biodegration of POLs (petroleum-oil-lubricants) are encouraged by bioventing. In this process microorganisms are provided with oxygen . Oxygen is supplied by direct air injection with a well and blower which pumps the air into the soil. Bioventing only uses a small amount of air to allow microbe activity to occur. This maximizes biodegradation due to slow movement and decreases the amount of contamination as well (4.15).

Biopiling

When excavated soils are combined with soil amendments and placed onto a treatment area, this is called biopiling. Biopiling is useful and effective in that only CO2 and water can be contaminants. The system only requires four objects: a treatment bed, aeration system, irrigation system, and a leach collection. To increase quality and enhance bioremediation heat, moisture, oxygen, nutrients, and pH are all controlled. Treatment time takes around a quarter of a year to half a year (4.15). Biopiling involves a clean soil base covered by contaminated soil. But between the layers lay extration pipes for oxidization.

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Ex Situ

Ex situ literally means "off-site" in latin. Ex situ bioremediation technology involves laboratory treatment by removing the contaminated region to a location to better dispose of the biohazard. This technique is not perferred over in situ (4.14).

The process in which temperatures gradually rise when organic materials are degraded by microorganisms is called composting. The temperatures go from 55 to 60 degrees Celcius and rises because of heat produced by organisms (4.15).