title: Design and field-scale implementation of an "on site" bioremediation treatment in PAH-polluted soil.
abstract: An "on site" bioremediation program was designed and implemented in soil polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially naphthalene. We began by characterizing the soil's physical and chemical properties. A microbiological screening corroborated the presence of microorganisms capable of metabolizing PAHs. We then analyzed the viability of bioremediation by developing laboratory microcosms and pilot scale studies, to optimize the costs and time associated with remediation. The treatment assays were based on different types of biostimulants, such as a slow or fast-release fertilizer, combined with commercial surfactants. Once the feasibility of the biostimulation was confirmed, a real-scale bioremediation program was undertaken in 900 m(3) of contaminated soil. The three-step design reduced PAH contamination by 94.4% at the end of treatment (161 days). The decrease in pollutants was concomitant with the selection of autochthonous bacteria capable of degrading PAHs, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas the most abundant genera.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Biotechnology and Geochemistry Group, Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Universidad de Oviedo, C/Gonzalo Gutierrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Asturias, Spain. pelaezana@uniovi.es
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Pelaez
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lores
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sotres
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mendez-Garcia
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Velarde
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: J L R
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gallego
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sanchez
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013501:Surface-Active Agents
keywords: Bioremediation; Biostimulation; Microorganisms; Naphthalene; PAHs