Laboratory tests for aerobic bioremediation of the contaminated sites in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Laboratory-scale testing methods applicable to evaluation of contaminated subsurface microbial communities are discussed in relation to their potential in supporting effective site bioremediation. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques are considered here with special emphasis on their capacity to contribute to bioremediation system design, in optimal cases by providing information on contaminant degradation rates. In this regard, microbial soil respiration tests seem to be the most useful tool since microbial soil respiration is a sensitive and easily measurable parameter for determination of metabolic activity within the sample and is closely related to other microbial parameters such as microbial biomass.

MPN Drop Agar Method for Determination of Heterotrophic Microorganisms in Soil and Water Samples Using Tissue Plate as a Carrier

“…Therefore, microorganisms may function as an excellent indicator of change in soil health, thereby providing an early sign of soil quality improvement or an early warning of soil degradation [3,4]. Most of the research effort applied now in the field of environmental microbiology is directed at culture-independent principles, such as molecular methods, dehydrogenase activity, and respiration activity [5]. However, these culture-independent techniques often do not allow detailed investigations that are possible with cultures.…”