Biostimulation
Biostimulation involves the modification of the environment to stimulate existing
The primary advantage of biostimulation is that bioremediation will be undertaken by already present native
Recently a number of products have been introduced which allow popular use of bioremediation using biostimulative methods. They may harness local bacteria using biostimulation by creating a hospitable environment for hydrocarbon-devouring microorganisms, or they may introduce foreign bacteria into the environment as a direct application to the hydrocarbon. While the jury is out as to whether either is particularly more effective than the other, prima facie consideration suggests the introduction of foreign bacteria to any environment stands a chance of mutating organisms already present and affecting the biome.
Investigations to determine subsurface characteristics (such as natural groundwater velocity during ambient conditions, hydraulic conductivity of the subsurface, and lithology of the subsurface) are important in developing a successful biostimulation system. In addition, a pilot-scale study of the potential biostimulation system should be undertaken prior to full-scale design and implementation.
However, some biostimulative agents may be used in chaotic surfaces such as open water and sand so long as they are oleophilic, meaning that they bond exclusively to hydrocarbons, and basically sink in the water column, bonding to oil, where they then float to the water's surface, exposing the hydrocarbon to more abundant sunlight and oxygen where greater micro-organic aerobic activity can be encouraged. Some consumer-targeted biostimulants bond possess this quality, others do not.
See also
- Biotreatment
References
- ^ Kanissery, R.G., and G.K. Sims. 2011. Biostimulation for the enhanced degradation of herbicides in soil. Applied and Environmental Soil Science. Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 843450, doi:10.1155/2011/843450. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aess/2011/843450/