Modeling Biosurfactant-Enhanced Bioremediation Processes for Petroleum-Contaminated Sites

In situ bioremediation is an effective technology for cleaning up petroleum-contaminated sites. To improve efficiencies of conventional bioremediation processes, biosurfactant treatment has received much attention. In this study, an integrated mathematical modeling system was developed for simulating biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation (BEB) processes. The model includes modules of multiphase, multicomponent flow and transport, biological degradation, and biosurfactant-enhanced remediation. A pilot-scale physical modeling system, with rhamnolipid as biosurfactant, was designed to simulate the BEB process. The results demonstrated that the developed mathematical model is effective in examining the coupled effects of biodegradation and biosurfactant enhancement and can be used for supporting management of petroleum-contaminated sites.