Bioremediation using a commercial slurry‐phase biological treatment system: Site‐specific applications and costs

Abstract

Abstract Slurry‐phase bioremediation is an engineered process for treating contaminated soils or sludges. Slurry‐phase biological treatment can be applied to a variety of contaminated wastes amenable to microbial degradation, including manufactured gas plant wastes, wood‐treating wastes, refinery wastes, petroleum hydrocarbons, and select chlorinated compounds, including PCBs. This article describes the process by which a commercial slurry‐phase treatment system was used to bioremediate contaminants at two sites–a wood treatment facility and a manufactured gas plant. A process description of the system and an analysis of project costs are provided. Bioremediation offers two advantages over other remediation alternatives: on‐site destruction of the contaminant(s) and lower total remedial costs. Slurry‐phase biological treatment offers several advantages over conventional bioremediation technologies (i.e., land treatment). Slurry‐phase biological treatment can achieve increased degradation rates, higher treatment efficiencies, greater control of environmental and operating conditions, and smaller treatment area requirements. Slurry‐phase biological treatment costs range from approximately $200 to $230 per cubic yard, which is comparable to other on‐site remediation technologies.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/rem.3440040308

Journal

Remediation Journal

Year

1994