Utility of Industrial Experimental Sites for Developing Analytical, Monitoring, and Remediation Technologies

Abstract

The use of industrial sites for developing analytical, monitoring, and bioremedi-ation technologies has been central to advances in the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. While that may seem obvious, since so many contaminated sites are industrial, site owners are sometimes reluctant to allow the results of experimental work on their property to reach publication, out of concern that it might reveal unfavorable information. Those barriers have gradually come down to the benefit of the entire bioremediation field and site owners. Increasingly, results are being reported based on research and fieldwork on industrial sites, often without revealing the identity of the site or the site owners. An overview of critical advances in bioremediation by major category of contaminants shows that, while laboratory studies regularly provide insight and theoretical background, in situ applications at contaminated industrial sites have driven the pattern of development of bioremediation technology. Examples are offered for developments in remediation of chlorinated ethenes, chlorinated ethanes, halogenated methanes, and chlorinated aromatics. These reinforce the importance of promoting application of laboratory and field studies at industrial sites. Industrial sites are likely to play a major role in advancing remediation of emerging contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane and perfluoroalkyl compounds.