Biological treatment technologies rely on micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa) that eliminate, attenuate or transform organic pollutants in soil and groundwater. For example, under aerobic conditions fuel compounds can be converted by mineralization to carbon dioxide, water and biomass. The processes occur naturally within the environment but can be enhanced both in-situ and ex-situ through several proven techniques including:

• Landfarming and windrows

• Biopiles

• Bioventing and Biosparging

• Groundwater recirculation

• Enhanced Natural Attenuation

Soilfix can design and build the systems that will enable you to achieve maximum rates of bioremediation at your site.

Landfarming and Windrows

These treatment techniques involve direct cultivation of the soil in-situ (landfarm) or turning of the soil within a treatment bed (windrow). Both techniques are designed to increase aeration of the soil and enable mixing with amendments to enhance rates of bioremediation.

Biopiles

Excavated soils are placed within a static treatment bed. Pipework is usually installed throughout the bed to enable bioremediation conditions to be optimised through aeration and application of water and nutrients.

Bioventing and Biosparging

Air is forced at low pressure into the unsaturated zone (bioventing) or at higher pressure into the saturated zone (biosparging). This supplies oxygen to enhance bioremediation. This action also increases the movement of volatile contaminants into the gaseous phase and this technology is frequently used in combination with soil vapour extraction.

Groundwater Recirculation

A modified pump and treat system where treated groundwater is re-injected. Treatment typically includes amendments to enhance bioremediation (e.g. nutrients, oxygenated water and hydrogen peroxide).

Enhanced/Accelerated Natural Attenuation

Natural attenuation is the effect of naturally occurring physical, chemical and biological processes to reduce the load, concentration, flux or toxicity of polluting substances in soil and groundwater. This can be enhanced through many in-situ processes but this term is commonly used for the application of amendments to the saturated zone (e.g. Regenesis ORC™).