| bedrock | A general term for the rock that underlies the soil and water table. It may hold some water either because it is fractured or is porous. |
| bench scale test | A laboratory test in which a small version of the technology is built and evaluated. |
| biocide | A chemical poison used to kill bacteria and small animals and plants. Biocides are commonly used in paint for ships and in piping systems that are constantly exposed to water. |
| biodegradation | Decomposition by natural biological processes |
| bioremediation | Processes that use living organisms (usually naturally occurring) such as plants, bacteria, yeast, and fungi to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances. |
| biosensor | A device that uses living organisms, such as enzymes, tissues, microbes, and antibodies, to produce reactions, which are then analyzed to detect the presence of a chemical or chemical reaction. |
| biotic layer | A layer in a landfill cap to prevent animals from burrowing through the cap. |
| bioventing | A remediation technology that enhances bioremediation of soils by providing oxygen. See technology description of Bioventing. |
| borehole | A hole cut into the ground by means of a drilling rig or an auger. |
| BTEX | Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene. These are aromatic volatile organic compounds commonly found with gasoline and other petroleum fuels. |
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