The Effects of In Situ Chemical Oxidation on Microbiological Processes: A Review

The effects of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) on biological processes, as reported in the litera-ture, were researched to determine if coupling ISCO with in situ bioremediation could be achieved in field and laboratory experiments. Literature was compiled concerning the effect of ISCO on microbial communities following addition of a chemical oxidant at a range of concentra-tions designed to treat a variety of subsurface contaminants. The results indicate that although microbial communities may potentially be adversely affected by chemical oxidation in the short term, a rebound of microbial biomass and/or bioremediation activity can be expected. Successfully coupling ISCO with bioremediation in field applications may be a cost-effective method of achieving risk-based site remediation goals. (C)2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.