In situ bioremediations are impeded by problems of transporting microbial populations and nutrients into subsurface soils. Microbial transport is most hindered in clay soils. This may result in injection of nutrients and microbial populations. However, nutrients may not be present in sufficient quantities to initiate the biodegradation process in adjacent organically polluted contaminated soil. This project will use patented electrokinetic subsurface soils technology coupled with "in-Situ C bioremediation (patent pending) to accomplish the following three proof-of-concept bench scale tasks: (1) distribution of electrically charged nutrients (ECNs) uniformly through subsurface soils; (2) demonstration that ECNs can be directed to a specific nutrient deficient subsurface contaminated soil which contains organic contaminants of concern including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and chlorinated organics (e.g., trichlorethylene, carbon tetrachloride, etc.); and (3) delivery of acclimated microorganisms to a soil segment containing a subsurface hydrocarbon food source. Nitrate or ammonium ions will be considered as possible ECN candidates. A field demonstration will be the central focus of Phase II. Anticipated Results/ Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: The coupled technologies of "In-Situ" electrokinetic soil processing and bioremediation are predicted to have advantages over digihaul and treat, encapsulation, solidification, thermal destruction, soil washing, etc. which result in soil destruction, disturbed soils, retained subsurface wastes, and proliferation of landfills. The bioelectrokinetic remediation process is predicted to remove organic pollutants more uniformly and efficiently from contaminated soils than comparable in-situ bioremediation processes such as soil venting or bio.venting.
