In-Situ Groundwater Bioremediation is a technology that encourages growth and reproduction of indigenous microorganisms to enhance biodegradation of organic constituents in the saturated zone. In-Situ groundwater bioremediation can effectively degrade organic constituents which are dissolved in groundwater and adsorbed onto the aquifer matrix.

Application
In-Situ groundwater bioremediation can be effective for the full range of petroleum hydrocarbons. While there are some notable exceptions (e.g., MTBE) the short-chain, low molecular weights, more water-soluble constituents are degraded more rapidly and to lower residual levels than are long-chain, high molecular weight, less soluble constituents. Recoverable free product should be removed from the subsurface prior to operation of the In-Situ groundwater bioremediation system. This will mitigate the major source of contaminants as well as reduce the potential for smearing or spreading high concentrations of contaminants.

In-Situ bioremediation of groundwater can be combined with other saturated zone remedial technologies (e.g., Air Sparging) and vadose zone remedial operations (e.g., Soil Vapor Extraction, Bioventing).