
What is the biological approach to remove benzene?
Is biosparging better than mineral oil removal?

What is Biosparging in bioremediation?
Biosparging. This technique is very similar to bioventing in that air is injected into soil subsurface to stimulate microbial activities in order to promote pollutant removal from polluted sites.
What is Biosparging in simple words?
1. Is an i n-situ remediation technology that uses indigenous microorganisms to biodegrade organic constituents in the saturated zone. In biosparging, air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) are injected into the saturated zone to increase the biological activity of the indigenous microorganisms.
What is difference between bioventing and Biosparging?
In bioventing, only carbon dioxide and clean air are vented and no volatile organic hydrocarbons (Frutos et al., 2010). On the other hand, biosparging involves applying air under pressure at low rates of flow to groundwater.
What is the process of Biosparging?
Biosparging consists of injecting pressurized air or gas into a contaminated zone in order to stimulate in situ aerobic biological activity. This remediation technique applies to dissolve and residual contamination in the saturated zone, and targets chemical compounds that can be biodegraded under aerobic conditions.
What are 2 types of bioremediation?
In-situ bioremediation is two types; these are intrinsic and engineered bioremediation. Intrinsic bioremediation also known as natural reduction is an in-situ bioremediation technique, which involves passive remediation of polluted sites, without any external force (human intervention).
What is bioremediation give two examples?
Text Solution. Solution : Bioremediation is the technique of absorption or destruction of toxic chemicals and harmful pollutants with the help of plants and microorganisms. For e.g. Sunflower is used to absorb uranium and arsenic, Deinococcus radiodurans is used to absorb radiations from radioactive debris, etc.
How is Bioventing used?
Bioventing is a technique used to add oxygen directly to a site of contamination in the vadose zone (unsaturated zone). In bioventing alone, air is injected at very low flow rates into the contaminated zone to promote biodegradation.
What is biodegradation and its types?
The process of biodegradation can be divided into three stages: biodeterioration, biofragmentation, and assimilation. Biodeterioration is sometimes described as a surface-level degradation that modifies the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the material.
What is the process of Bioventing?
Bioventing is a process of stimulating the natural in situ biodegradation of contaminants in soil by providing air or oxygen to existing soil microorganisms. Bioventing uses low air flow rates to provide only enough oxygen to sustain microbial activity in the vadose zone.
What is the result of biodegradation?
Biodegradation is a natural process by which organic chemicals in the environment are converted to simpler compounds, mineralised and redistributed through elemental cycles such as the carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles.
Can fungi break down metals?
Fungi have a unique propensity for breaking down chemical pollutants, including oil and pesticides, and extracting or binding heavy metals, even radiation (Ali & Di, 2017).
What is biostimulation simple?
Biostimulation refers to the addition of rate limiting nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, electron donors to severely polluted sites to stimulate the existing bacteria to degrade the hazardous and toxic contaminants.
What is biostimulation simple?
Biostimulation refers to the addition of rate limiting nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, electron donors to severely polluted sites to stimulate the existing bacteria to degrade the hazardous and toxic contaminants.
What is called phytoremediation?
Phytoremediation basically refers to the use of plants and associated soil microbes to reduce the concentrations or toxic effects of contaminants in the environment. Phytoremediation is widely accepted as a cost-effective environmental restoration technology.
What is soil Biopiles?
Description: Biopiling is a full-scale technology in which excavated soils are piled and typically constructed in a treatment area that consists of a leachate collection and aeration system. It is commonly applied to reduce concentrations of petroleum components in soils through utilising the process of biodegradation.
What is in situ biodegradation?
In Situ Bioremediation (ISB) is the biological treatment of contaminants in the subsurface, typically in groundwater. ISB melds an understanding of microbiology, chemistry, hydrogeology, and engineering into a cohesive strategy for planned and controlled microbial degradation of specific classes of organic.
Fact sheet: Biosparging — Guidance and Orientation for the Selection ...
Applications. Allows treatment of residual contamination within the saturated zone, as well as dissolved contamination in groundwater. Suitable for remediation where the contaminants may be degraded or transformed under aerobic conditions.
BPSS – 12C – Biosparging Pilot Test Guidance
BPSS – 12C – Biosparging Pilot Test Guidance 6. Description of all specific goals and objectives of the pilot test (e.g., minimum radial influence, minimum rate of reduction of oxygen concentrations, etc.).
Biosparging used in aquifer remediation (Journal Article) | OSTI.GOV
@article{osti_78041, title = {Biosparging used in aquifer remediation}, author = {Weymann, D F}, abstractNote = {Air sparging is a popular technology for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. However, the effectiveness of a sparging system depends on data collected from a well-designed pilot test. There are few established protocols for conducting reliable pilot tests.
Biosparging - In Situ Bioremediation Technique - Environment Notes
Biosparging is an in-situ remediation method that employs indigenous microorganisms to break down organic components in the saturated zone. Biosparging involves injecting air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) into the saturated zone to boost the biological activity of the local microorganisms. Petroleum compounds dissolved in groundwater, adsorbed to soil below the water table, and inside ...
What is Biosparging | IGI Global
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Application of in situ biosparging to remediate a petroleum-hydrocarbon ...
In this study, a full-scale biosparging investigation was conducted at a petroleum-hydrocarbon spill site. Field results reveal that natural attenuation was the main cause of the decrease in major contaminants [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX)] concentrations in groundwater before the operation of biosparging system.
What is biosparging in a lab?
Biosparging consists of injecting pressurized air or gas into a contaminated zone in order to stimulate in situ aerobic biological activity. This remediation technique applies to dissolve and residual contamination in the saturated zone, and targets chemical compounds that can be biodegraded under aerobic conditions.
How long does biosparging take?
Treatment times of 6 months to 2 years are often observed under favourable conditions.
How does air injection help a microbe?
The injection of air (and gaseous nutrients if needed) favours the development of the aerobic microbial population by providing oxygen to the microbes and increases the interactions between air, water and aquifer, enhancing the bioavailability of the contaminants. The objective of a biosparging system is to promote contaminant biodegradation and to minimize the volatilization of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. The air injection flow rate is calculated to provide the quantity of oxygen required for enhancing bacterial degradation of contaminants. However, some volatilization may occur and depending on the chosen operation mode and design, air capture and treatment could be required.
Why should biosparging not be used in the presence of a free phase?
In order to avoid contaminant spreading, biosparging should not be used in the presence of a free phase (LNAPL or DNAPL);
What is on site storage?
On-site storage is primarily a function of the compounds being applied to the groundwater systems and the manner of application. Projects using periodic injections of material may bring materials to the site on an as-needed basis and avoid on-site storage.
Is biodegradation a secondary byproduct?
Biodegradation of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and petroleum hydrocarbons doesn’t usually generate any deleterious secondary by-products or metabolites. Issues with toxic intermediates may occur in the degradation of some explosives and pesticides.
Can biosparging be done in the summer?
Cold temperatures can hamper biodegradation and microbial activity may only occur during the summer months, thus treatment time may take several years. Microbial activity may be possible in deep soil as temperatures (below permafrost) are relatively constant over the course of the year.
What is biosparging in biology?
What is Biosparging. 1. Is an i n-situ remediation technology that uses indigenous microorganisms to biodegrade organic constituents in the saturated zone. In biosparging, air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) are injected into the saturated zone to increase the biological activity of the indigenous microorganisms.
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What is sparging in hydrocarbons?
abstractNote = {Air sparging is a popular technology for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. However, the effectiveness of a sparging system depends on data collected from a well-designed pilot test. There are few established protocols for conducting reliable pilot tests. Air sparging typically is defined as the introduction of air below the water table to promote site remediation. The remediation process associated with sparging may be physical, biological or both. In the physical process, volatile contaminants are transferred from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase and removed via the injected air stream. The biological process involves delivery of supplemental oxygen to promote aerobic respiration. Biosparging refers to air injection at pressures and flow rates sufficient to deliver supplemental oxygen, but less than those required to volatilize significant contamination. Evidence indicates properly designed sparging systems significantly enhance both biodegradation and volatilization. Determining the potential success of sparging at a particular site requires a pilot test to determine site conditions.},
How does air sparging work?
Air sparging is an in-situ, saturated-zone treatment technology that is commonly considered for the remediation of sites contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The technology involves injecting air into a contaminated aquifer at a position beneath the deepest portion of the impacted area. As the air passes through an aquifer, it volatilizes VOCs that exist in interstitial spaces as nonaqueous-phase liquid (NAPL), have been dissolved in ground water and have adsorbed to saturated soil. The contaminants are transferred to the vadose zone, via air channels, where vapors are collected by a soil-vapor extraction system for treatment. Air sparging also oxygenates more » the aquifer, which can enhance the biodegradation of aerobically-degradable contaminants. The injection of air into ground water can have major effects on the geochemistry of an aquifer. Ground-water sample analyses and detailed monitoring of pilot-scale tests yield significant insight into the geochemical changes that occur in an aquifer subjected to air sparging. Anaerobic (reducing) conditions are rapidly changed to aerobic (oxidizing) conditions, as evidenced by changes in redox potential, dissolved iron concentration and groundwater conductivity. The pH and temperature of ground water adjacent to the air sparging well also rises, sometimes as much as two standard pH units and 15 degrees Celsius, respectively. « less
What is SVE in air sparging?
In the summer of 1993, an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of in-situ air sparging (IAS) and soil vapor extraction (SVE) to remedy jet fuel condition found in Colorado River Terrace deposits was initiated by the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence.
What is biosparging in soil?
Biosparging is an in-situ remediation technology that uses indigenous microorganisms to biodegrade organic constituents in the saturated zone. In biosparging, air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) are injected into the saturated zone to increase the biological activity of the indigenous microorganisms. Biosparging can be used to reduce concentrations of petroleum constituents that are dissolved in groundwater, adsorbed to soil below the water table, and within the capillary fringe. Although constituents adsorbed to soils in the unsaturated zone can also be treated by biosparging, bioventing is typically more effective for this situation.
How is bioventing used?
Bioventing involves supplying air or oxygen, and nutrients if needed, into the unsaturated zone. Oxygen is delivered to the unsaturated zone by forced air movement either through extraction or injection of air to increase oxygen concentrations. Direct air injection is used more commonly to control air flow rates and provide only enough oxygen to sustain microbial activity. Bioventing is designed primarily to treat contaminants in the vadose zone or capillary fringe.
What is aerobic bioremediation?
In the presence of aerobic conditions and appropriate nutrients, microorganisms can convert many organic contaminants to carbon dioxide, water, and microbial cell mass. Aerobic bioremediation uses oxygen as the electron acceptor. Aerobic metabolism is more commonly exploited and can be effective for hydrocarbons and other organic compounds, such as petroleum hydrocarbons and some fuel oxygenates (e.g., methyl tertiary-butyl ether [MTBE]). Many organisms are capable of degrading hydrocarbons using oxygen as the electron acceptor and the hydrocarbons as carbon and energy sources.
What is the process of removing a pollutant from the environment?
Bioremediation is not only a process of removing the pollutant from the environment but also it an eco-friendly and more effective process. The pollutants can be removes or detoxify from the soil and water by the use of microorganism, known as bioremediation.
Is bioventing a good way to clean up a site?
While bioventing is relatively inexpensive, this method can take a few years to clean up a site, depending on contaminant concentrations and site-specific removal rates.
Bioslurping
This technique connects vacuum-enhanced pumping, soil vapor extraction, and bioventing to achieve soil groundwater remediation by the indirect provision of oxygen and stimulation of contaminant biodegradation (Gidarakos and Aivalioti 2007).
Biosparging
This technique is very comparable to bio venting in that ah' is injected into soil subsurface to excite microbial activities to promote pollutant removal from polluted sites. Unlike bioventing, the air is introduced at the saturated zone, which can cause upward mobility of VOCs to the unsaturated zone to improve biodegradation.
Phytoremediation
This technique relies on the application of plant interactions (i.e., physical, biochemical, biological, chemical, and microbiological interactions) in contaminated sites to mitigate the toxic effects of pollutants.
How effective is biosparging?
When used appropriately, biosparging is effective in reducing petroleum products at underground storage tank (UST) sites. Biosparging is most often used at sites with mid-weight petroleum products (e.g., diesel fuel, jet fuel); lighter petroleum products (e.g., gasoline) tend to volatilize readily and to be removed more rapidly using air sparging. Heavier products (e.g., lubricating oils) generally take longer to biodegrade than the lighter products, but biosparging can still be used at these sites. Exhibit VIII-2 provides a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of biosparging.
What is biosparging in soil?
Biosparging is an in-situ remediation technology that uses indigenous microorganisms to biodegrade organic constituents in the saturated zone. In biosparging, air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) are injected into the saturated zone to increase the biological activity of the indigenous microorganisms. Biosparging can be used to reduce concentrations of petroleum constituents that are dissolved in groundwater, adsorbed to soil below the water table, and within the capillary fringe. Although constituents adsorbed to soils in the unsaturated zone can also be treated by biosparging, bioventing is typically more effective for this situation. (Chapter III provides a detailed description of bioventing.)
Can biosparging be used to treat groundwater in a confined aquifer?
Biosparging cannot be used to treat groundwater in a confined aquifer because the air sparged into the aquifer would be trapped by the saturated confining layer and could not escape to the unsaturated zone.
Is biosparging the same as air sparging?
The biosparging process is similar to air sparging. However, while air sparging removes constituents primarily through volatilization, biosparging promotes biodegradation of constituents rather than volatilization (generally by using lower flow rates than are used in air sparging). In practice, some degree of volatilization and biodegradation occurs when either air sparging or biosparging is used. (Air sparging is discussed in Chapter VII.)
What is the biological approach to remove benzene?
When an area is contaminated with mineral oil or aromatic compounds, like for instance benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and naphthalene (BTEXN), these pollutants can be removed via a biological approach we call biosparging.
Is biosparging better than mineral oil removal?
Biosparging is more effective, sustainable and cheaper. This technique is suitable for on site (in situ) remediation of both soil and groundwater and is the best option for mineral oil removal there is.

Biosparging - Process
- Biosparging is the process of pumping pressurized air or gasinto a polluted area to stimulate in-situ aerobic biological activity.
- This technology targets chemical substances such as mineral oils and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and naphthalene (BTEXN) that can be biodegraded under aerobic conditions and is used to...
- Biosparging is the process of pumping pressurized air or gasinto a polluted area to stimulate in-situ aerobic biological activity.
- This technology targets chemical substances such as mineral oils and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and naphthalene (BTEXN) that can be biodegraded under aerobic conditions and is used to...
- By giving oxygen to the microorganisms and increasing the interactions between air, water, and the aquifer, the injection of air (and gaseous nutrients if needed) promotes the development of theaer...
- The goal of a biosparging system is to increase pollutant biodegradation while minimizing volatile and semi-volatile organic compound volatilization.
Well Orientation, Placement, and Construction Details
- When considering locations that will require 10 or more sparge or extraction points, if the affected region is located beneath a surface structure, or if the saturated zone thickness is less than 1...
- In regions with high pollutant concentrations, closer well spacingis typically necessary to improve air distribution (and oxygen supply rate), hence speeding up biodegradation.
- When considering locations that will require 10 or more sparge or extraction points, if the affected region is located beneath a surface structure, or if the saturated zone thickness is less than 1...
- In regions with high pollutant concentrations, closer well spacingis typically necessary to improve air distribution (and oxygen supply rate), hence speeding up biodegradation.
- The extraction wells can be positioned slightly farther apart if a surface seal exists or is intended for the design.
Manifold Piping
- Sparging wells are connected to an air compressor by manifold piping. Depending on site operations, ambient temperature, and local building standards, piping might be installed above or below grade.
- Below-grade pipe, which runs from the sparging wellhead vault(s) to a central equipment location, is more prevalent. It is built in shallow utility trenches.
- Sparging wells are connected to an air compressor by manifold piping. Depending on site operations, ambient temperature, and local building standards, piping might be installed above or below grade.
- Below-grade pipe, which runs from the sparging wellhead vault(s) to a central equipment location, is more prevalent. It is built in shallow utility trenches.
- To prevent air flow short circuiting, pipe trenches utilized for the distribution system must be sealed.
Compressed Air Equipment
- To ensure that no impurities are injected into the saturated zone, utilization of an oil-free compressor or a conventional compressor is necessary.
- To ensure appropriate flexibility during full operations, the compressor should be rated for continuous service at the highest predicted flow rate and pressure.
Monitoring and Control Equipment
- The equipment in a sparging system that monitors these factors gives the information needed to make system adjustments and measure the progress.
- A sparging system's control equipment allows the flow and sparge pressure to be changed as needed at each of the system's sparging wells.
- Flow control valves and regulators are common examplesof control equipment.
Biosparging - Advantages
- Ready Availability: Equipment is readily available and simple to set up.
- Least Disruption: It causes the least amount of disruption to the site's activities.
- Short Treatment Period: Treatment periods are short, ranging from 6 months to 2 years in ideal circumstances.
- Improves Efficacy: Improves the efficacy of air sparging in the treatment of a broader range …
- Ready Availability: Equipment is readily available and simple to set up.
- Least Disruption: It causes the least amount of disruption to the site's activities.
- Short Treatment Period: Treatment periods are short, ranging from 6 months to 2 years in ideal circumstances.
- Improves Efficacy: Improves the efficacy of air sparging in the treatment of a broader range of petroleum hydrocarbons.
Biosparging - Disadvantages
- Scarcity of Data: There is a scarcity of field and laboratory data to support design decisions.
- Impact on Soil: Bioremediation will have a significant impact on parameters such as oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and total organic carbon by design.
- Uneven Distribution of Gas And Nutrients: Uneven gas and nutrient distribution may result from preferential pathways and soil heterogeneity.
- Scarcity of Data: There is a scarcity of field and laboratory data to support design decisions.
- Impact on Soil: Bioremediation will have a significant impact on parameters such as oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and total organic carbon by design.
- Uneven Distribution of Gas And Nutrients: Uneven gas and nutrient distribution may result from preferential pathways and soil heterogeneity.
- Requirement of a Vapour Extraction System: When there are buildings and/or below-grade infrastructure on or near the polluted site, a vapour extraction and treatment system is necessary.
Conclusion
- The process of Biosparging generates a smaller amount of residual pollutants after cleanup than other physical in situ procedures (immobile heavy oil residuals in the case of crude-oil remediation). The oxygen-rich injected air dissolved in water accelerates the in situ biodegradation of nonvolatile contaminants located downstream of the sparging zone. Althoug…
Mcqs
- Question: Consider the following statements on Biosparging: 1. Biosparging is an ex-situ remediation method that employs indigenous microorganisms to break down organic components. 2. Biosparging involves injecting air (or oxygen) and nutrients (if needed) into the unsaturated zone to boost biological activity. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are corre…