Biostimulation strategies for in situ biodegradation of complex aromatic contaminant mixtures in groundwater

Summary

Aromatic compounds are present as highly toxic and persistent contaminants in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, demanding effective remediation of contaminated areas. This thesis investigates biostimulation strategies for degrading a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, including BTEX, indene, indane, and naphthalene, found in the subsurface of Griftpark, a former gasworks site in Utrecht. Various environmental factors, with a particular emphasis on different redox conditions, were assessed to understand their impact on microbial community dynamics and consequently the biodegradation process. The objective is to contribute to designing effective pilot studies applicable in Griftpark, while also establishing fundamental principles that can be extended to similar contaminated sites.