from Federico Aulenta, Mauro Majone, Marco Petrangeli Papini, Simona Rossetti and Valter Tandoi writing in Microbial Bioremediation of Non-metals: Current Research:
In situ technologies are cost-effective, expanding technologies for the clean-up of soil and groundwater in contaminated sites. On the other hand, these technologies are knowledge-intensive and their application requires thoroughly understanding of the microbiology, ecology, hydrogeology, and geochemistry of contaminated soils and aquifers, under both natural and enhanced conditions. In this chapter, we summarize current knowledge and future perspectives in the area of microbial anaerobic dechlorination of chlorinated solvents, particularly chloroethenes. Main attention is paid at discussing environmental factors and conditions that influence microbial activity under field conditions. Approaches to stimulate and manipulate the activity of native dechlorinating populations in order to meet target remediation goals are examined. Finally, appropriate characterization procedures for optimal evaluation and design of the in situ remediation strategies are examined with main reference to three tools: a) microbial tools, b) modelling, c) microcosms vs field studies.
Further reading: Microbial Bioremediation of Non-metals: Current Research