BIOAUGMENTATION FOR GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION: AN OVERVIEW - Bioaugmentation for Groundwater Remediation - page 13

Technical Analysis:
Review site data
Additional testing (?)

Biodegradation products
Microbial analyses
Contaminant loss rates
Risk assessment
Geochemical conditions

Is
MNA
effective?

Yes

Implement
MNA

No

Microcosm testing
In situ testing
Microbial analyses

Is
stimulation
effective?

Yes

Biostimulate

No

Is
augmentation
effective?

Microcosm testing
In situ

Yes

testing
Microbial analyses

Bioaugment

No

Is
treatment
working?

Select another
remediation
technology.

No

Monitoring data

Yes

Continue
treatment.

Figure 1.6. Overview of the bioaugmentation selection process. Information needs are listed along
the right side of the decision flowpath.

The first bioremediation technique to be considered is MNA. The main cost for MNA
comes from monitoring the pollutants, microbiota and biogeochemical conditions to ensure
that degradation is proceeding in a timely and efficient manner. Due to its relative ease, MNA
is a frequently selected remedy as reflected in the U.S. database of Records of Decision
(RODs) (Figure 1.7 ).