Aquatic Pollution and Coastal Management

Unit 8 : Bioremediation and phytoremediation

8.1.2.2.Environmental factors
Nutrients
Although the microorganisms are present in contaminated soil, they cannot necessarily be there in the numbers required for bioremediation of the site. Their growth and activity must be stimulated. Biostimulation usually involves the addition of nutrients and oxygen to help indigenous microorganisms. These nutrients are the basic building blocks of life and allow microbes to create the necessary enzymes to break down the contaminants. All of them will need nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon.
Carbon is the most basic element of living forms and is needed in greater quantities than other elements. In addition to hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen it constitutes about 95% of the weight of cells.
Phosphorus and sulphur contribute to 70% of the remainders. The nutritional requirement of carbon to nitrogen is 10:1, and carbon to phosphorus is 30:1.