DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF A PRELIMINARY KINETIC-MODEL FOR IN-SITUPAH BIOREMEDIATION

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic nonaque ous-phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants of critical environmental concern . The treatment method used for a contaminated soil depends primarily on the nature and extent of the contamination as well as the cost effe ctiveness of the method. Current research has shown that bioremediatio n is perhaps the simplest and most economic process for the treatment of large contaminated areas. Although bioremediation feasibility and e ffectiveness has been well documented, additional information is requi red to fully understand subsurface kinetics. Specifically, the importa nce and effect of interactions between bacteria, supplemental nutrient s, oxygen source, contaminant, and soil type must be understood Prelim inary respirometer experiments have been conducted to address these fa ctors for the development of a kinetic model for both steady-state and unsteady-state conditions.