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(b) Ex situ bioremediation techniques


Ex situ -involves the removal of the contaminated material to be treated elsewhere.

Landfarming - contaminated soil is excavated and spread over a prepared bed and periodically tilled [] until pollutants are degraded.The goal is to stimulate indigenous biodegradative microorganisms and facilitate their aerobic degradation of contaminants.

Biopiles - it is a hybrid of landfarming and composting. Essentially, engineered cells are constructed as aerated composted piles. Typically used for treatment of surface contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons.

Bioreactors - it involves the processing of contaminated solid material (soil, sediment, sludge) or water through an engineered containment system.

Composting - dealt earlier in solid waste management


Using bioremediation techniques, TERI has developed a mixture of bacteria called ‘oilzapper’ which degrades the pollutants of oil-contaminated sites, leaving behind no harmful residues. This technique is not only environment friendly, but also highly costeffective.