Progress using bioremediation for site restoration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Abstract

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, primarily microorganisms, to degrade environmental contaminants. This innovative, “green”, and versatile technology is being used for many different kinds of site cleanups by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The Corps, which plays a significant role in the restoration of the Nation's hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste (HTRW) sites, has responsibility for a wide range of sites and contamination types. Many of the contaminants found on these sites are organic chemicals suitable for bioremediation. Bioremediation techniques can be adapted to meet cleanup needs: approaches can be ex situ or in situ; systems can be aerobic or anaerobic; and the bacteria can be indigenous, imported, or genetically engineered. Bioremediation can be a stand alone technology or combined with other technologies in a treatment train. In addition to the many bioremediation challenges the Corps faces, it is taking a leadership role in finding bioremediation solutions to explosive wastes, cold climate sites such as found in Alaska, and remote locations sites like those in the Pacific. To meet the challenge of fostering the use of bioremediation and other innovative technologies, the Corps has four major initiatives: the Innovative Technology Action Plan; Guidance Documents; Research, Development, and Demonstration; and use of demonstrated innovative technologies at selected sites. This paper presents the various bioremediation techniques used by the Corps and focus on several significant bioremediation projects that are contributing to the expanding knowledge base on environmental restoration.