Application of Test Systems for a Balance-Based Examination of Biodegradation of Contaminants in Soil

For the set-up of a remediation concept, suitable field simulation pre-tests on a laboratory, as well as on a technical scale, should principally be carried out. The application of test systems and laboratory reactors is also necessary for basic examination and a general understanding of the degradation processes within soils. When conceptualising biological remediation measures the respective laboratory scale pre-tests should be designed in a way, that answers the questions posed concerning the possibility to comply with the respective microbial, physiochemical and process-geological conditions. The most important, but also most difficult, task is the evaluation of the possibility for remediation of soils. Laboratory results about microbial degradation of relevant contaminants in problem sites have to be transferable into practice and consequently provide data about degradation. This includes degradation rates, final concentrations that can be yielded, formed metabolites and end products respectively. They should be selected between different, complex test systems according to the initial question.