Feasibility assays allow determining whether the microorganisms capable of degrading pollutant(s) are present and active, identify potential physical and chemical parameters that may limit their development and help to dimension the remediation project.

The feasibility assays differs from treatability assays (point analysis) by monitoring over time of various physicochemical and biological parameters, thereby establishing biodegradation kinetics. These assays asses different treatment strategies in parallel, for example, the impact of a chemical amendment (e.g., nutrients, electron donors or acceptors) or biological amendment (bioaugmentation) on the biodegradation efficiency of compounds of interest.

Feasibility assays can be performed for different types of matrices (e.g, soil, water, sediment…) and for all types of compounds for which microorganisms or genes encoding enzymes responsible for the biodegradation have been identified.

Examples of pollutants for which we have performed feasibility assays:

• Hydrocarbons, crude oils, PAHs, BTEX, PCB, chlorinated solvents (PCE, TCE, DCE, VC…), pesticides, explosives, polar solvents, monochloroacetic acid, organochlorines (Lindane, MCB, chlorobenzenes…), nitronaphthalenes, anilines, styrene, ETBE, perchlorates…

• These tests can also be adapted for trace element pollution: chromium, manganese and others

The data generated are used to support decisions concerning the treatment. The raw results obtained under laboratory conditions are contextualized to assess the best pollution control strategies that can be implemented on site.

• Assessment of the feasibility of bioremediation treatment.

• Identification of the best strategy to implement for pollution treatment.