Innovative Techniques for Enhancing and Monitoring Microbial Activities for In Situ Remediation of Contaminated Sites

The accidental spills of contaminants such as hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents can contaminate soil and water, raising concern because they are recalcitrant compounds and toxic for ecosystems and human health. In situ remediation techniques, in particular those involving microbial communities, represent an economically and environmentally sustainable strategy for reducing the contamination and understanding the responses of biological targets to these pollutants. The development of new tools and technologies for monitoring in situ and enhancing microbial activity is crucial for advancing the remediation of contaminated sites. In order to make this technology more profitable and successful, it is important to include an interdisciplinary involvement of scientists of different discipline (e.g. hydrogeologists, microbiologists, chemists and ecotoxicologists).