DTSC

Treating contaminated groundwater in place and relying on soil microbes has shown promising results and is known as in-situ bioremediation.  This method involves introducing organic materials like molasses, vegetable oils, and cheese whey into contaminated groundwater to stimulate the growth of bacterial microorganisms. These bacteria consume the food and subsequently break down toxic chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), a common industrial pollutant. 

 

Similarly, contaminated soil can be treated in the same way and can be likened to the composting process, whereby food scraps is added to a carbon rich material like wood chips and greenwaste to feed the microbes that than digest and breakdown further the raw plant and animal material.  The more diversity and amount of microbes the more desirable from a remediation and restoration standpoint.  

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Compared to traditional methods of cleaning up the groundwater by pumping, and the soil by excavating and treating them above ground and off-site, in-situ bioremediation is more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. It reduces the cleanup timeline from years to months and minimizes the generation of new toxic waste.  In fact, companies like C-Biotech is pioneering sustainable soil remediation by using plants like hemp and willow to detoxify PFAS-contaminated soils, reducing both costs and environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This innovative process not only cleanses soil and captures atmospheric carbon but also maximizes resource efficiency by enabling the use of plant stems in material production. Here is a link to a recent press release: Thanks to hemp, spectacularly less PFAS from fire-fighting foam in soil at fire academy in Ranst | VRT NWS: news

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As the science behind this method continues to improve, it is becoming a more natural and effective way to address groundwater and soil contamination.

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Results promising for “in situ” bioremediation  “All the new remedies are ‘in situ’ bioremediation,” Charlie Ridenour, Branch Chief DTSC, said.

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https://dtsc.ca.gov/proven-technologies-remedies-documents/?form=MG0AV3