Which remediation method is most appropriate for removing diesel fuel from contaminated groundwater?

The most appropriate remediation method for removing diesel fuel from contaminated groundwater is bioremediation. This process utilizes microorganisms to degrade and metabolize contaminants, such as the hydrocarbons found in diesel fuel. When applied to groundwater contaminated with diesel, bioremediation can effectively reduce the concentration of pollutants through natural biological processes.

Microorganisms that are native to the environment can be stimulated or supplemented to accelerate the breakdown of diesel compounds, leading to their eventual mineralization into harmless byproducts. The effectiveness of bioremediation is often influenced by environmental conditions, including nutrient availability, temperature, and oxygen levels.

Activated carbon, as listed in the original response, is not as effective for this particular scenario, since it primarily serves as an adsorption medium rather than a degradation method. While activated carbon can capture and hold on to certain contaminants and can be part of a treatment system, it does not chemically or biologically change diesel fuel into non-toxic substances as bioremediation does.

In summary, bioremediation is favored for its ability to biologically transform diesel fuel into less harmful substances, making it a more fitting choice for addressing groundwater contamination by this type of hydrocarbon.