A numerical model was developed to describe the bioremediation of hydr
ocarbons in ground water aquifers considering aerobic degradation. The
model solves the independent transport of three solutes (oxygen, hydr
ocarbons, and microorganisms) in ground water flow using the method of
characteristics. Interactions between the three solutes, in which oxy
gen and hydrocarbons are consumed by microorganisms, are represented b
y Monod kinetics, solved using a Runge-Kutta method. Model simulations
showed good correlation as compared with results of soil column exper
iments. The model was used to estimate the time needed to remediate th
e columns, which varied from one to two years.