4.1.9. Degradability of contaminants

Unlike other industries, bioremediation does not result in the production of high value-added products. Thus, venture capital has been slow to invest in the technology and, as a consequence, commercial activity in research and development has lagged far behind other industrial sectors. As bioremediation is considered innovative technology, clients and regulatory agencies often scrutinize bioremediation more closely than conventional technologies. Consequently, tighter restrictions and performance standards are frequently imposed on bioremediation than on other remediation technologies. This can ultimately lead to a greater risk from a liability standpoint if the bioremediation program does not accomplish the predetermined goals.