Bio-Remediation General Information

Transcription

1 Bio-Remediation General Information Bioremediation The term bioremediation refers to the use of biological agents to degrade or render various types of hazardous wastes to a non-hazardous or less-hazardous state. These wastes are generally considered to be aliphatic (relating to a group of organic compounds) hydrocarbons. Bioremediation may be defined in a broad sense as the manipulation of living systems to bring about desired chemical and physical changes in a confined environment. The remediation process is usually carried out by microorganisms or their product enzymes, therefore, the process might more accurately be called microbial remediation. In a healthy eco-system, microbes (bacteria) slowly decompose organic wastes in its environment. Over the centuries, we have learned to replicate that natural process to dispose of human-generated wastes. Unfortunately, some wastes are difficult to degrade due to their complicated design. Our ever-increasing volumes of waste, containing indigestible toxic matter, now exceed nature s corrective capacity to digest them. The idea of using specific bacteria strains beneficially is as old as the ages. A common example found is with bakers who use bacteria, or yeast, to produce the little air bubbles and the sweet taste that is found in bread. Brewers and vintners are other familiar examples on the use of naturally occurring bacteria in beverages. Biodegradation is now seen as the key to remediating various contaminated substances and nature provides us with thousands of bacteria to choose from. Combining different strains of bacteria for not only their degradation capabilities, but also how they form an eco-system where each type of bacteria augments the capabilities of the others, is an essential method to promote various levels of degradation. The BioActive Solution BioActive Services Inc. is a major provider of Biological-Technology Services to bioremediation of hazardous wastes. The company began its operation serving the Canadian industry using the highest quality products and laboratory, as well as designing specialized treatment applications to maximize its clientele s investments. BioActive designs custom-tailored treatments rendered by highly experienced service representatives to complete each bioremediation application. July 26, 2012 rev1 Page 1

2 BioActive s microbial products and related services efficiently address the removal of accumulated wastes and toxic materials. Most of our products are harmless to plant and animal life, and strive in aerobic or anaerobic environments. These living and natural bacteria, as well as their compounds, are: Specifically selected for their ability to accelerate decomposition. Safe to handle and easy to use. Require no special precaution, clothing, or transport and handling. Some of the many compounds that can be bioremediated are: Acetone Benzene Methanol High Molecular Weight Alkanes Phenol Ethanol Toluene Xylene Trichloroethylene PCBs Methylene Chlorine Cresol Pentachlorophenol Bacterial Remediation Many synthetic substances, such as PCBs, are very persistent, as they tend to resist breaking down, therefore, remaining in the environment for years. The natural bacterial products provided by BioActive are designed to speed the decomposition of these substances, effectively and economically. In most cases, a simple pre-treatment procedure is conducted, followed by an evaluation of the treatment prospects, before the beginning of the actual remediation process. These steps are necessary to ensure the treatability of the contaminants before the client expends any time, effort, and funds. The Bioremediation Process In general, BioActive treatments will follow this methodology: Identify site and obtain general information Establish nature of the contaminants and the level of remediation required Establish a monitoring systems to assure proper documentation Obtain samples of the materials to be treated Determine the treatability based on laboratory tests Recommend a treatment, dosage and application plan Initiate a treatment using bacteria and nutrient solutions Treat and monitor usually over a one to six-month period Measure the results against the criteria given in step #1 Close the site July 26, 2012 rev1 Page 2

3 Contaminated Groundwater Some microorganisms can degrade a variety of hydrocarbon-based hazardous wastes that often infiltrate drinking water supplies. An example of a major source of groundwater contamination is found in leaking gasoline tanks. Substances, such as gasoline and other contaminating hydrocarbons like benzene and toluene, are especially difficult to remove from clay, limestone and shale formations. Conventional techniques of removing these substances involve exhuming the contaminated ground, re-circulating the contaminated water and aerating it to remove these hydrocarbons. This method (known as air stripping) only transfers the contaminants from the water to the air, and it is of limited usefulness for non-volatile hydrocarbons. On the other hand, the treatment of contaminated groundwater with hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms offers the possibility of eliminating the pollutants by completely degrading them into carbon dioxide and water. With this process, the pollutants cease to exist in that form; instead, they become non-toxic elements that are natural to the aquifer system. High-chlorination-level PCBs PCBs were first introduced into the environment in the 1930s. Since then, approximately one million tons of this toxic substance has been produced for the purposes of dielectrics in transformers, plasticizers in paints, copying paper, adhesives, sealants, plastics, as well as curing and lubricating oils. Unfortunately, because of their unusually high chemical stability, PCBs have resisted safe degradation processes. Their vast usage persists at high expense to businesses and the environment. The effects of long-term PCB exposure in humans include liver cancer, porphyria, immunesuppression, and disturbances in steroid metabolism.. BioActive solves these contamination issues in a cost and time-effective manner, even given that PCBs are some of the most difficult contaminates to degrade. In most cases, these pollutants are completely remediated and removed from the environment. BioActive strategically selects and adapts various strains of living, natural occurring bacteria, to successfully degrade contaminates, like chlorinated and non-chlorinated hydrocarbons, including polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs), alkenes, and aromatics (benzene and toluene). These are easily adapted to a variety of bio-reactor systems, which re-circulate ground water in a system of above ground tanks and tapping wells. July 26, 2012 rev1 Page 3

4 Summary of Substances Tested For Treatability Untreated Test Treated Test Time % of Substance Sample (ppm) Sample (ppm) Exposed Reduction Ethylbenzene days 39% Xylene days 37% Acenapthylene days 17% Anthracene 1, days 18% Fluoranthene 7,400 5, days 18% Pyrene 16,000 13, days 19% Diesel water hours 58% PCB/water days 64% PCB (1260)/soil 2,100 1,600 7 days 24% Aroclor 1016/oil n/a n/a 7 days 78% Aroclor 1254/oil n/a n/a 7 days 37% Aroclor 1260/oil n/a n/a 7 days 14% Aroclor 1264/soil days 89% Diesel/gravel hours 96% Formaldehyde 2,710 2, hours 18% Formaldehyde 2, days 99% Perchloroethylene days 28% Crude oil/soil 41,751 28,059 7 days 33% Tannins & Lignins days 38% Invert oil 90,000 6, days 92% Butyl acetate days 90% Monoethanolamine 7,500 1, days 78% Diesel/sand 1, days 69% 1methyl/2pyrolidinone 170,000 33, days 80% Complementary Technique Directional Drilling As part of its combined expertise to resolve its clientele s issues, BioActive offers a Horizontal Directional Drilling service, or conventional vertical drilling as per site requirement or both drilling techniques site specific, which has a significantly lower impact on the environment than traditional open cutting. This makes it the solution of choice to complement the abovementioned solutions for highly sensitive ecological areas and the best technique to remediate under buildings or streets. July 26, 2012 rev1 Page 4

5 Hydrocarbon Horizontal Well Remediation and Soil Sampling Historically, access to contaminated grounds (at or below surface) and the water table, has been done using methods varying from using vertical wells, to trenching, or total removal and replacement of the contaminated soil. The more recent use of bacteria is far more cost-effective and efficient method, however, in some cases of contaminated soils, a complementary method is used, such as Horizontal Drilling. Minimizing the disturbance to the environment and surrounding area, Horizontal Drilling will effectively clean underground contaminants in any weather. Moreover, this drilling technology will cover a greater linear footage of screen treatment area, and can be used in conjunction with various remediation techniques, such as: Air Sparging Soil vapor extraction In situ bioremediation BioActive offers a wide range of microbiological solutions and services, including: Toxic soil and water remediation. Paraffin, scale, asphaltene, corrosion and emulsion control in oil production systems. Fat, oil, grease and odor control in food preparation. BOD, TSS, FOG and sludge control in food processing and wastewater treatment systems. For more information, please contact us: Box 22063, Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6X1 Office: Fax: info@bioserve.ca / Environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and performing microbial solutions for your bioremediation needs! July 26, 2012 rev1 Page 5