Print this pageGHOSH, SUMAN, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dept. of Geosciences, Kansas City, MO
ABSTRACT: Influence of Geochemical and Geotechnical Factors in Efficient
Bioremediation of 
Petroleum
-Contaminated Soils, Using a Combination of Plants and
Microorganisms
The overall objective of the project is to develop a new method of
bioremediation that, besides other controlling factors, will take into account the
geochemical and geotechnical characteristics of soils for remediation of
petroleum-contaminated sites. The project aims at identifying the most suitable soil type
in terms of its geochemistry and physical properties and determining its control on
bioremediation potential of petroleum-contaminated soil, utilizing both microorganisms and
plants.
Soil is one of the key components of a bioremediation system. It is this medium that
promotes the growth of both plants and microorganisms. It would, therefore, be expected
that research on bioremediation should take into account the influence of soil chemistry
and physical properties, in addition to the type of plants and microorganisms and related
factors. This aspect, however, has not received much attention of researchers in the
bioremediation field, which led to the development and formulation of the proposed study.
The research will utilize a number of different microorganisms found in
petroleum-contaminated soils, along with three species of plantsalfalfa, tall fescue and
bulrushin various combinations to determine their potential in cleaning up petroleum
contamination. Since these microorganisms and plant species have been individually found
to be quite effective in biodegrading petroleum
in contaminated soils and groundwater, it
will be possible to harness the synergies of plant and microorganisms to develop a better
method for cost-effective and faster remediation.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90909©2000 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid