Contaminated Soil Microbiological mineralization processes degrade numerous organic compounds.
Many variables restrict or enhance natural reclamation by soil microbes.
Common sources of soil contamination include leaking underground storage tanks and spills resulting from refueling and transport of solvents and petroleum products. Both are organic compounds and are biodegradable when mixed with soil. In high concentrations, TCE and petroleum products can be restrictive or toxic to soil microbes. An aerobic microcosm study was conducted to determine whether TCE vapor added to diesel fuel contaminated soil would be toxic or restrictive to microbiological respiration. A dehydrogenase assay was used to ascertain microbial bioactivity.