The goal of this study was to identify and assess methods that could be used to accelerate the restoration of lands damaged by spills of hazardous materials. The literature was reviewed to determine what response methods had been used in the past to clean up spills on land and identify other techniques that could be developed for detoxification of hazardous, spill-damaged lands. Four biological techniques were evaluated for accelerating the restoration of spill-damaged lands in the laboratory for Phase 2. The techniques and the chemicals used were the following: (1) Enhancement of microbial degradation by indigenous for chlorobenzene and ethion organisms. (2) Addition of mixed microorganisms from primary sewage for formaldehyde and aniline. (3) Addition of adapted/mutant microbial cultures for dinitrophenol and chlordane. (4) Selective absorption by harvestable plants for lead and cadmium. The accelerated removal of one or both chemicals was observed in techniques 2, 3, and 4. The effects of the spilled chemical on the soil chemistry and microorganisms were also monitored. In Phase 3, a plan for field testing of techniques 2 and 4 was designed. Recommended land restoration methods for spills of the 271 hazardous chemicals listed in the Federal Register (1978) were also compiled in Phase 4.

"September 1981." "EPA-600/2-81-208." "Contract No. 68-03-2648." "Project officer: John Brugger."