To determine if bacterial populations could be increased for bioremedi
ation of contaminants, the microbial growth arising in 200 h from the
solid material from the vadose zone at an arid site after addition of
water and nutrients was determined. Initial bacterial populations and
activities at the site were very low. Bacteria grew in the interbed sa
nds and silts with the higher carbon contents (0.08-1.1%), but did not
respond in the basalts and interbed material with lower carbon conten
t (undetectable). In longer term studies, to 30 d, there was evidence
for bacterial activity in less than 25% of either the basalts or inter
bed material.