Bioventing works by:
Bioventing achieves remediation by supplying air as oxygen source directly into unsaturated vadose zone above capillary fringe where soil pores partially air-filled but contaminated with sorbed fuel in smear zone. Operational layout uses injection wells screened in contaminated interval with oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon analyzers plus extraction vents creating pressure gradient drawing atmospheric air at low velocity 0.5 to 5 cfm, ensuring oxygen above 2 percent while limiting volatilization below 20 percent. Indigenous heterotrophs use oxygen for alkane hydroxylase and aromatic diox
Ref: EPA Bioventing Manual 1994; Hinchee et al. Bioventing case studies; PubMed bioventing mechanism EA/2.