Thermal insulation systems for bioremediation in cold regions

Bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils in cold regions is hampered by low temperatures, frozen soils, and short summers. Extreme environmental conditions limit remedial efforts to a few technologies. Bioventing and co mbined air-sparging and soil vapor extraction have shown promise in subarct ic regions. Expensive thermal desorption or encapsulation of organically co ntaminated soil is practiced in arctic Alaska and Canada, in lien of succes sful bioremediation. Thermal insulation systems have recently been develope d for innovative bioremediation efforts in cold regions. Commercially avail able insulation, electrical heating elements, and construction materials ha ve been uniquely packaged to enhance bioremediation at two petroleum-contam inated sites in Alaska. Thermally enhanced bioventing successfully remediat ed hydrocarbon contamination in the vadose zone at a subarctic site within two years. Preliminary results from an oxygenated and fertilized biopile, a ctively warmed and covered with a thermal insulation system, shows promise at an arctic site. A guide for thermal insulation system design for bioreme diation application in cold regions is developed.