Evaluation of Bioremediation in Cold Regions

Abstract

Biological treatment has become increasingly popular as a remediation method for soils and ground water contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbon, chlorinated solvents, and pesticides. Bioremediation has been considered for application in cold regions such as Arctic and subarctic climates and Antarctica. Studies to date suggest that indigenous microbes suitable for bioremediation exist in soils in these regions. This paper reports on two case studies, one in Antarctica and one in the subarctic, in which indigenous bacteria were found that were capable of mineralizing petroleum hydrocarbons in soil contaminated with jet fuel and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Antarctica and pentachlorophenol (PCP) and diesel in contaminated soil in the subarctic southwestern Alaska. However, in both instances, ex-situ bioremediation was recommended for treatment of the contaminated soil because ex-situ treatment allows greater control over soil temperature, a limiting factor in cold climates.