Bioremediation of contaminated soils

Bioremediation refers to the use of beneficial microbes to degrade contaminants that pose threat to environmental health; especially human risk. Due to its safety and convenience, it has become an accepted remedy for cleaning polluted soil and water.

After bioremediation the soil will be fertile as the natural soil organisms grow to support the growth of the plants and animals. Using these bio-indicators, the land will be ready for agriculture and farming.

Worm castings or vermicompost can also be used for bioremediation of oil/acid/salt contaminated soils. After the basic procedure in bioremediation (i.e. adjusting pH, aeration, reducing the contaminants), regular addition of a thin layer of vermicompost on the contaminated soils will create a better environment.

The high activity of beneficial soil microbes and relatively rich nutrients including fulvic/humic acids in the vermicompost will speed-up the process of natural degradation and decomposition of the contaminants. The beneficial microbes will use the contaminants as a source of energy for their metabolism. Vermicompost can also help to reduce foul odours and enhance aerobic digestion of the sludge in contaminated soils.

Please visit www.burnabyredwigglers.com at Portfolio to see more photos about the bioremediation projects and at Services for consultation.

– Bintoro Gunadi

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