Biological techniques

Bioremediation harnesses the power of naturally occurring organisms.

Many microorganisms that occur naturally in soil and groundwater are able to break down organic contaminants or reduce the toxicity of inorganic contaminants.

In nature though, this process often proceeds too slowly to remove risks within the time required.  In some cases uncontrolled biological activity can actually increase risks by remobilising contaminants or by forming harmful breakdown products.

However, by applying the correct engineering approach, these natural processes can be greatly enhanced to achieve controlled and highly effective soil and groundwater remediation. 

Through a process of careful site characterisation and identification of rate limiting factors, interventions are designed to optimise the biological degradation of a wide range of contaminants.

The low energy and input requirements of biological remediation can often mean significant cost advantages when compared to other available technologies, whilst this approach also rates highly in terms of sustainability.