How Is Groundwater Remediated? Methods Explained

Groundwater can be defined as any natural water present below the surface. Most often, it is found in underground layers or the subsurface of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials known as aquifers. This resting state leaves groundwater susceptible to common pollutants such as gasoline, oil, road salts and chemicals. Because groundwater accounts for upwards of 40% of the world’s drinking water, it is imperative that these areas are treated and the pollutants removed and converted into harmless products. This process is known as groundwater remediation.

In attempts to eliminate the dilemma of choice many environmental consulting firms face when it comes to the remediation of water, biotechnologists have begun exploring new ways to fuse the advantages of each specific approach. Today, these remediation water treatment applications include in situ sorption and biodegradation, in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), enhanced aerobic or anaerobic biodegradation, bioaugmentation, and more.