Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils: A Comparison of In Situ and Ex Situ Techniques

When investigating the treatment of contaminated soils, the application of biotreatment is growing rapidly. Factors influencing this rapid growth include that the bioremediation processes are cost-efficient, safe, and nature-based. In the past, thermal, chemical, and physical treatment methods have failed to eliminate the pollution problem because those methods only shift the pollution to a new phase such as air pollution. Bioremediation technology, which leads to degradation of pollutants, may be a lucrative and environmentally beneficial alternative. (Iranzo, et al., 2001.) Two major groups bioremediation treatment techniques are used: in situ and ex situ remediation. While in situ remediation is more cost effective, the thoroughness of this method is less effective than the ex situ remediation. Ex situ remediation is less cost effective, but is a more thorough remediation method. This paper will evaluate the benefits and costs of each technique. (Koning, et al., 2000).