The aromatic group of hydrocarbons can be viewed as derivatives of benzene. The breakdown od aromatic hydrocarbons involves the action of either oxygenases or mixed function oxygenases. Very importantly, the oxygen concentration is the rate limiting factor in the Bio-degradation of petroleum based products. Microbial activity is most frequently limited by insufficient oxygen due to slow rates of diffusion into the interior of the soil layers or piles and into the center of soil aggregates. Generally, the greater the mass of oxygen that can be distributed the more rapid and complete the cleanup.
Effective application can result in greatly accelerated cleanups.
Hydrogen peroxide may be utilized in addition to the aeration process. Hydrogen peroxide in addition to simply providing oxygen for microbial use has been shown in our laboratory to greatly stimulate the degradation of recalcitrant components of diesel fuel such as benzopyrene. Both previous methods are very costly. Location of site to be remediated 2. Size of site to be remediated 3.