IN SITU BIOSTIMULATION: A KEY FACTOR IN BIOREMEDIATION

摘要

Bioremediation technology has been successfully used in several places of the world to recover oil-impacted soils and to treat organic wastes. However, the selection of the process to be applied as well as the evaluation criteria, and handling of abiotic and biotic factors require knowledge of the technology to guarantee success. Bioremediation technology in tropical countries has been highly effective due to high and constant temperatures throughout the year. In other words, the environmental conditions promote the natural dynamic of the microbiological communities in soils, favoring hydrocarbon biodegradation. To stimulate the microbial population, without introducing exogenous microorganisms (bioaugmentation), abiotic factors are conditioned in situ by adjusting C/N, C/P ratios, and adding organic materials (bulking agents), which enhance the physical properties of the wastes being treated. The present paper shows a summary of laboratory and field experiments in which in situ biostimulation effectiveness vs. bioaugmentation is demonstrated. Field experiences are described showing how bioremediation technology has helped to minimize oil industry wastes.