Bio- and Phytoremediation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Stormwater Containment Systems and Soil

This chapter discusses treatment options of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation within stormwater containment systems. Bioremediation is a process where microorganisms and/or plants transform contaminated sites to reduce or eliminate the pollutant's harmful effects to the environment. The bioavailability of POPs varies based on the chemical properties and their interaction with the aqueous and/or soil media. Bioremediation techniques using microorganisms can initiate or enhance the biodegradation process within stormwater contaminant systems. Bioaugmentation is the process of adding microorganisms that have proven capabilities of transforming POPs to the soil media. Biostimulation is the process of stimulating naturally occurring microbial populations in the soil by providing nutrients that will enhance the microbial activity, thus cause an increase in POP transformation. Bioventing is the process of treating contaminated sites by adding oxygen through the soil within a stormwater bioretention site to stimulate aerobic microbial activity.