Decontamination of soil contaminated with dioxin by biodegradation

Scientists at the Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have studied the topic of heavy soil decontamination of herbicides / dioxin by biodegradation.

Herbicide sprayer / dioxin.Photo: Internet

This is a topic that has been applied to heavily contaminated herbicides / dioxin by bioremediation at the former US puppet military base in Da Nang.

In May 2009, the Institute of Biotechnology conducted a pilot project on biological detoxification with the US Environmental Protection Department from the Ford Foundation's funding, tested at 2m3 with 11 jobs. different ways at the old Da Nang military base.

The aim of the project is to design and demonstrate the effective use of aerobic and anaerobic processes of dioxin decomposing microorganisms and herbicides.

The study also aims to find and provide mainstream technology designs to select aerobic or anaerobic treatment formulas, optimize biodegradable technological factors to apply biotechnology in field scale; Construction of dioxin pollution treatment in Da Nang.

This is the first research cooperation between Vietnamese and US scientists on dioxin pollution treatment technology in hot spots in Central Vietnam.

On the Vietnamese side, the project was carried out by the research team on sustainable organic pollution (POPs) under the Institute of Biotechnology, headed by an associate professor, Dr. Dang Thi Cam Ha, with participation of a number of Vietnamese Ministry of Defense officials. The United States sent two scientists, Dr. Harry Allen and Vance Fong, to coordinate with Vietnamese partners to implement the Project and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of decontamination.

With long-term experience in this field, experts have used modern and modern methods to evaluate biodegradation, microbiological performance and removal efficiency of dioxins and pollutants. Other infections are included in the treatment samples.

After the implementation process, the Vietnam-US collaborative pilot project achieved some results as an effective biological enhancement measure on a small scale, however with a volume of soil Large measures to stimulate native microorganisms bring high decomposition results, feasible when practical application.

Supplements for microorganisms and conditions for 'feeding' them at the site have been identified for implementation of all dioxin contaminated hotspots. This technology is recognized as a 'green technology' because of its very low energy demand, low gas generation and is the best solution for highly contaminated soil, after treatment can be immediately re-established. use to benefit the community.

The knowledge gained from this project will allow the design of appropriate biological treatment formulas to address dioxin problems, as well as pollution of other sustainable organic substances (POPs) in Vietnam and elsewhere. .

This is seen as a hallmark in the scientific and technological research cooperation between Vietnamese and American scientists, promising to open more effective cooperation between the two sides in the future.