METHOD FOR THE BIODEGRADATION OF ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS IN A MASS OF PARTICULATE SOLIDS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

摘要

A method for the biodegradation of organic contaminants in a mass of particulate solids. The method comprises providing a contaminated mass of particulate solids on an impervious surface in fluid communication with an impervious recovery reservoir. The impervious surface has operating thereon air supply and/or air suction means to provide suitable and continuous oxygenation of the mass and/or to remove undesirable vapor emissions from the mass. The mass is periodically irrigated by applying on its surface a culture medium comprising at least one bacterial strain and co-substrates thereof. The bacterial strain has the ability to degrade the organic contaminants. The medium is drained through the mass and washings recovered in the reservoir to be reused to irrigate the mass. The mass is periodically mixed and its temperature and moisture level are controlled to monitor the biological activity of the bacterial strain and to maintain the activity at levels suitable for the bacterial strain to degrade the contaminants in the mass.