In situ bioremediation

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In Situ Bioremediation In Situ Bioremediation.png
In Situ Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the process of decontaminating polluted sites through the use of either endogenous or external microorganisms. [1] In situ is a term utilized within a variety of fields, meaning "on site" and refers to the location of an event. [2] Within the context of bioremediation, in situ indicates that the location of the bioremediation has occurred at the site of contamination without the translocation of the polluted materials. Bioremediation is used to neutralize pollutants, including Hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds, nitrates, toxic metals, and other pollutants through a variety of chemical mechanisms. [1] Microorganisms used in the process of bioremediation can either be implanted or cultivated within the site through the application of fertilizers and other nutrients. Common polluted sites targeted by bioremediation are groundwater/aquifers and polluted soils. Aquatic ecosystems affected by oil spills have also shown improvement through the application of bioremediation. [3] The most notable cases are the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 [4] and the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. [5] Two variations of bioremediation exist, defined by the location where the process occurs. Ex situ bioremediation occurs at a location separate from the contaminated site and involves the translocation of the contaminated material. In situ occurs within the site of contamination [1] In situ bioremediation can further be categorized by the metabolism occurring, aerobic and anaerobic, and by the level of human involvement.

Contents

History

The Sun Oil pipeline spill in Ambler, Pennsylvania spurred the first commercial usage of in situ bioremediation in 1972 to remove hydrocarbons from contaminated sites. [6] A patent was filed in 1974 by Richard Raymond, Reclamation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Ground Waters, which provided the basis for the commercialization of in situ bioremediation. [6]

Classifications of In situ Bioremediation

Accelerated Bioremediation

Accelerated in situ bioremediation is defined as when a specified microorganism is targeted for growth through the application of either nutrients or an electron donor to the contaminated site. Within aerobic metabolism, the nutrient added to the soil can be solely Oxygen. Anaerobic in situ bioremediation often requires a variety of electron donors or acceptors, such as benzoate and lactate. [7] Besides nutrients, microorganisms can also be introduced directly to the site within accelerated in situ bioremediation. [8] The addition of extraneous microorganisms to a site is termed bioaugmentation and is used when a particular microorganism is effective at degrading the pollutant at the site and is not found either naturally or at a high enough population to be effective. [7] Accelerated in situ bioremediation is utilized when the desired population of microorganisms within a site is not naturally present at a sufficient level to effectively degrade the pollutants. It is also used when the required nutrients within the site are either not at a concentration sufficient to support growth or are unavailable. [7]

Raymond Process

The Raymond Process is a type of accelerated in situ bioremediation that was developed by Richard Raymond and involves the introduction of nutrients and electron acceptors to a contaminated site. [9] This process is primarily used to treat polluted groundwater. In the Raymond process, a loop system is created. Contaminated Groundwater from downstream of the groundwater flow is pumped to the surface and infused with nutrients and an electron donor, often oxygen. This treated water is then pumped back down below the water table upstream of where it was originally taken. This process introduces nutrients and electron donors into the site, allowing for the growth of a determined microbial population. [9]

Oxygen Injection

In contaminated sites where the desired microbial metabolism is aerobic, introducing oxygen to the site can be used to increase the population of targeted microorganisms. [10] The injection of Oxygen can occur through a variety of processes. Oxygen can be injected into the subsurface through injection wells. It can also be introduced through an injection gallery. The presence of oxygen within a site is often the limiting factor when determining the time frame and efficacy of a proposed in situ bioremediation process.

Ozone Injection

Ozone injected into the subsurface can also be a means of introducing oxygen into a contaminated site. [10] Despite being a strong oxidizing agent and potentially having a toxic effect on subsurface microbial populations, ozone can be an efficient means of spreading oxygen throughout a site due to its high solubility. [10] Within twenty minutes after being injected into the subsurface, fifty percent of the ozone will have decomposed to Oxygen. [10] Ozone is commonly introduced to the soil in either a dissolved or gaseous state. [10]

Anaerobic In situ Bioremediation

Within accelerated anaerobic in situ bioremediation, electron donors and acceptors are introduced into a contaminated site in order to increase the population of anaerobic microorganisms. [9]

Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA)

Monitored Natural Attenuation is in situ bioremediation that occurs with little to no human intervention. [11] This process relies on the natural microbial populations sustained within the contaminated sites to, over time, reduce the contaminants to a desired level. [11] During monitored natural attenuation, the site is monitored in order to track the progress of the bioremediation. [11] Monitored natural attenuation is used in sites where the source of contamination is no longer present, often after other more active types of in situ bioremediation have been conducted. [11]

Uses of In Situ Bioremediation

Biochar

Hydrocarbons are also commonly known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are made up of aromatic rings. [12] These pollutants are the byproducts of the burning of materials such as fossil fuels. [12] Hydrocarbons are found in both terrestrial and aquatic environments [12] [13] , posing a threat to environmental health, biodiversity, and food safety. [13] Hydrocarbons can also exhibit mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, posing a threat to both human and animal life. [12]

Aerobic and anaerobic remediation techniques can be used to degrade these pollutants; an effective anaerobic technique is Biochar. [12] Biochar is composed of plant residues, microbial biomass, and agricultural residues, produced through a process called pyrolysis. [12] Additionally, Biochar is rich in carbon, which makes the Biochar act as a trap for PAH pollutants. [12] Biochar absorbs the most pollutants when the temperature of pyrolysis is the highest because higher temperatures increase the surface area of the Biochar. [12] [13] To improve the effectiveness of biochar, acid and alkali are often used as activating agents to improve PAH removal. [12] Biochar can be used both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but it is ideally used under anaerobic conditions [12] [14] because it creates an environment where microbes can flourish, which enhances the effectiveness of biochar. [14] Byproducts can be used to improve soil quality. [14] Biogas, the byproduct of biochar, can be used as an energy source because it's mostly composed of methane and carbon dioxide. [14] Biochar also leaves behind digestates. Digestates are beneficial for the soil because they can be used to make nutrient-rich fertilizer and conditioner. [14] Digestates may also pose issues; similar to creating beneficial organic matter, it can also leave behind inorganic heavy metals, which are dangerous pollutants. [15]

Hydrocarbons can be classified into two groups: LMW-PAHs, which have a low molecular weight and less than four aromatic rings, and HMW-PAHs with a high molecular weight and more than four aromatic rings. [16] [17] The higher the molecular weight or the aromatic rings of a PAH are, the lower the solubility of the PAH is, which makes it harder to break down pollutants. [17]

Chlorinated Compounds

Chlorinated Aliphatic Compounds

A variety of metabolic modes exist capable of degrading chlorinated aliphatic compounds. Anaerobic reduction, oxidation of the compound, and cometabolism under aerobic conditions are the three main metabolic modes utilized by microorganisms to degrade chlorinated aliphatic compounds. [9] Organisms that can readily metabolize chlorinated aliphatic compounds are not common in the environment. [9] One and two-carbon carbons that have little chlorination are the compounds most effectively metabolized by soil microbial populations. [9] The degradation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds is most often performed through cometabolism. [9]

Synthesis and general structure of polychlorinated byphenyls. Reacciotriclorur.png
Synthesis and general structure of polychlorinated byphenyls.

Chlorinated Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons are resistant to bioremediation, and many microorganisms cannot degrade the compounds. Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons are most often degraded through a process of reductive dechlorination under anaerobic conditions. [9] Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are primarily degraded through cometabolism. Some fungi can degrade these compounds as well. Studies show an increase in PCB degradation when biphenyl is added to the site due to the cometabolic effects that the enzymes used to degrade biphenyl have on PCBs. [9]

Benefits

Bioremediation has several benefits because of its ability to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to clean up pollutants from ecosystems and the air, while also creating renewable energy. [18] [19] This process conserves materials and reduces waste, overall improving waste management. [18] Additionally, bioremediation helps the environment, which is not only a benefit for wildlife and biodiversity but also a benefit for humans. [19] [20] Cleaner ecosystems benefit food safety because bioremediation techniques help to eliminate harmful pollutants in the soil that can cause cancer, hormonal disruption, and organ toxicity. [21] [20] Furthermore, the genetic modification of microorganisms helps techniques adapt to climate change, which is more practical for long-term remediation. [19] [18] [22]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Molina, Gustavo; Usmani, Zeba; Sharma, Minaxi; Yasri, Abdelaziz; Gupta, Vijai Kumar (2022). Microbes in Agri-Forestry Biotechnology. doi:10.1201/9781003110477. ISBN   978-1-003-11047-7.[ page needed ]
  2. ↑ "Charlton T. Lewis, Charles Short, A Latin Dictionary, sĭtus". www.perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  3. ↑ Perelo, Louisa Wessels (15 May 2010). "Review: In situ and bioremediation of organic pollutants in aquatic sediments". Journal of Hazardous Materials. 177 (1–3): 81–89. Bibcode:2010JHzM..177...81P. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.12.090. PMID   20138425.
  4. ↑ Biello, David. "Slick Solution: How Microbes Will Clean Up the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill". Scientific American. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  5. ↑ Atlas, Ronald M.; Hazen, Terry C. (15 August 2011). "Oil Biodegradation and Bioremediation: A Tale of the Two Worst Spills in U.S. History". Environmental Science & Technology. 45 (16): 6709–6715. Bibcode:2011EnST...45.6709A. doi:10.1021/es2013227. ISSN   0013-936X. PMC   3155281 . PMID   21699212.
  6. 1 2 "Lecture 12 Bioremediation" (PDF). Online Course Work Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 "In Situ Bioremediation". bioprocess.pnnl.gov. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  8. ↑ Ellis, David E.; Lutz, Edward J.; Odom, J. Martin; Buchanan, Ronald J.; Bartlett, Craig L.; Lee, Michael D.; Harkness, Mark R.; DeWeerd, Kim A. (1 June 2000). "Bioaugmentation for Accelerated In Situ Anaerobic Bioremediation". Environmental Science & Technology. 34 (11): 2254–2260. Bibcode:2000EnST...34.2254E. doi:10.1021/es990638e. ISSN   0013-936X.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Suthersan, Susan (1999). "IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION" (PDF). University of California Barbara. Retrieved 17 March 2017.[ full citation needed ]
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "CLU-IN | Technologies > Remediation > About Remediation Technologies > Bioremediation > Aerobic Bioremediation (Direct)". clu-in.org. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "A Citizen's Guide to Monitored Natural Attenuation" (PDF). Contaminated Sites Clean up Information. September 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Yaashikaa, P.R.; Karishma, S.; Kamalesh, R.; A, Saravanan; Vickram, A.S.; Anbarasu, K. (May 2024). "A systematic review on enhancement strategies in biochar-based remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons". Chemosphere. 355 141796. Bibcode:2024Chmsp.35541796Y. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141796. PMID   38537711.
  13. 1 2 3 Meki, Kudakwashe; Liu, Qiang; Wu, Shuai; Yuan, Yanfei (February 2022). "Plant- and microbe-assisted biochar amendment technology for petroleum hydrocarbon remediation in saline-sodic soils: A review". Pedosphere. 32 (1): 211–221. Bibcode:2022Pedos..32..211M. doi:10.1016/S1002-0160(21)60041-3.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Exploring the Potential of Biochar for Improving Anaerobic Digestion". extension.psu.edu. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
  15. ↑ Fu, Zhou; Zhao, Jianwei; Guan, Dezheng; Wang, Yuxin; Xie, Jingliang; Zhang, Huawei; Sun, Yingjie; Zhu, Jiangwei; Guo, Liang (2024-02-20). "A comprehensive review on the preparation of biochar from digestate sources and its application in environmental pollution remediation". Science of The Total Environment. 912 168822. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168822. ISSN   0048-9697.
  16. ↑ Gupta, Nitu; Banerjee, Sandipan; Koley, Apurba; Bharali, Parijat; GhoshThakur, Richik; Hoque, Raza Rafiqul; Balachandran, Srinivasan (December 2024). "Strategies for remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis". Applied Soil Ecology. 204 105688. Bibcode:2024AppSE.20405688G. doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105688.
  17. 1 2 Ghosal, Debajyoti; Ghosh, Shreya; Dutta, Tapan K.; Ahn, Youngho (31 August 2016). "Current State of Knowledge in Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): A Review". Frontiers in Microbiology. 7. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01369 .
  18. 1 2 3 "Green Remediation Best Management Practices: Bioremediation" (PDF). EPA. 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  19. 1 2 3 "Sustainable Remediation: Climate Change Resiliency and Green Remediation-A Guide for Cleanup Project Managers". apps.ecology.wa.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  20. 1 2 Nguyen, Minh-Ky; Rakib, Md. Refat Jahan; Hwangbo, Myung; Kim, Jongsun (2025-02-01). "Microplastic accumulation in soils: Unlocking the mechanism and biodegradation pathway". Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances. 17 100629. doi:10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100629. ISSN   2772-4166.
  21. ↑ Yaashikaa, P. R.; Karishma, S.; Kamalesh, R.; A, Saravanan; Vickram, A. S.; Anbarasu, K. (2024-05-01). "A systematic review on enhancement strategies in biochar-based remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons". Chemosphere. 355 141796. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141796. ISSN   0045-6535.
  22. ↑ US EPA, OLEM (2018-08-23). "Climate Resilience Technical Fact Sheet: Groundwater Remediation Systems". www.epa.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
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