First steps toward launching bioremediation technology in Georgia

The issue of managing old, contaminated sites, which often prevent further development of the so-called brownfields, has been intensively discussed in Georgia in recent years. In 2021-2023, Dekonta company under the Czech Development Programme conducted a contamination survey and processed a risk analysis of one of the largest environmental burden in Georgia – the former refinery in Batumi.As a part of the follow-up feasibility study, it was verified at laboratory scale that the bioremediation is the most suitable remediation method for the site’s clean-up.

Bioremediation is an environmental-friendly innovative method effective for treatment of soil containing organic chemicals such as mineral oil, fuels etc. The method does not require extensive supply of energies, can be applied on-site and thus has a low CO2 footprint. This methodology has not been applied in Georgia yet.

The main objective of this project is conducting a pilot-scale test of the biodegradation method on one of the largest environmental burdens in Georgia, as well as capacity building of local stakeholders through development a Methodological guideline for the implementation of biodegradation method at contaminated sites in Georgia.