The biosparging pollution treatment method is a bioremediation technique that uses oxygen to stimulate the growth of degradative microorganisms present in contaminated soil and groundwater. This method is often used to clean up sites polluted by hydrocarbons such as oil, solvents and organic chemicals.
Biosparging works by injecting air or oxygen into contaminated areas of soil or groundwater. The addition of oxygen increases the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the groundwater, creating favorable conditions for the growth of degrading microorganisms. The micro-organisms use the oxygen to break down the contaminants into carbon dioxide and water.
Biosparging can be combined with other bioremediation techniques such as nutrient injection to stimulate the growth of degrading microorganisms. This approach is called biosparging assisted by nutrient injection (BIOSN).
The advantages of biosparging are that it is relatively inexpensive, does not disturb soil or groundwater, and does not generate toxic or harmful by-products. Biosparging can also be used in conjunction with other pollution treatment techniques to improve overall site clean-up efficiency.
Biosparging can take time to completely clean up a site, particularly if pollutants are in high concentration in the soil or groundwater.
Biosparging is often coupled with Bioventing.
For in-situ remediation, other treatment methods can be used, such as controlled natural attenuation, biodegradation, thermal desorption, dual-phase extraction, flushing, chemical oxidation, pump and skim, pump and treat, chemical reduction, sparging or venting.