FACT AND FICTION. By: Onofre Ortiz and Thomas W. McNally

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2 BIOREMEDIATION : Definition Degradation of organic matter using microorganisms (bacteria, fungi & algae)

3 BIOREMEDIATION Cycle : bacteria bacteria reproduce secretes enzymes bacteria excretes CO2 and water enzymes attack grease, fats, oils which allow the bacteria to eat the broken down pieces.

4 Bioremediation via Biodegradation (the breakdown of organic substances by microscopic organisms) bioremediation is the use of biodegradation to break down pollutants in soil, air or groundwater.

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6 BIOREMEDIATION : Classifications in situ versus ex situ Bioremediation which takes place either in the natural or original position or location (in situ) or away from (ex situ) the natural or original position. (in situ) (ex situ)

7 BIOREMEDIATION : Applications Parts Cleaning

8 WHAT IS A PARTS WASHER? Parts cleaning machines remove lubrication oils, grease and dirt from vehicle parts and machinery. Typically, mineral spirits are used to remove the oil and grease but progressively become more contaminated and less effective. This solvent solution is considered hazardous waste and must be properly handled and removed. RCRA Small Quantity Generators Requires EPA Manifesting Cradle to Grave Liability

9 SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Carbon based contaminants are removed from repair parts by surfactants.

10 Contaminants Enter the Solution Are Emulsified And Eaten Then Converted Into H 2 O and CO 2

11 SYSTEM Advantages : Bioremediation is a Natural and Safe Process.

12 SYSTEM Advantages : Bioremediation eliminates the need for transportation of spent solvents and other hazardous materials.

13 Bioremediation can remediate the contaminants (in situ) in place, and does not generate waste products. SYSTEM Advantages :

14 SYSTEM Advantages : Bioremediation allows for minimal environmental impact.

15 SYSTEM Advantages : Bioremediation completely breaks down contaminants to innocuous end products.

16 SYSTEM Advantages : Bioremediation is more economical than traditional technologies.

17 How Safe Are Microbes? Classified American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Class I Organisms are nonpathogenic, completely safe to use and have no recognized hazard potential under ordinary conditions of handling. This classification is assigned only after extensive study and review by ATCC and government committees. Class I Organisms are subject to unrestricted distribution by the ATCC, U.S. Department of Health, Public Health Service and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA).

18 How quickly can microbes breakdown contaminants? Once active, the rate at which the microbes can remediate hydrocarbons can approach 80% every seven days. Analyses performed on samples of used surfactant taken from a bioremediating parts washer operating consistently show oil and grease levels in the 1,400 parts per million range. BY COMPARISON, used, non-bioremediating, aqueous cleaners can average over 20,000 parts per million of oil and grease.

19 Not Just Any Class of Microbe

20 How much oil can I put into a bioremediating parts washer at one time? As with all parts cleaners, excessive greases, oils and fluids should be disposed of prior to washing parts and NOT used as a waste oil dump. That said, most bioremediating parts washers can handle large, tough, dirty jobs.

21 Do microbes improve the cleaning ability of aqueous cleaners? YES. The bioremediation process that takes place in the solution frees the surfactants allowing them to clean and emulsify even more contaminants.

22 In addition to oil, will bioremediating parts washer clean other substances? Microbes have been successfully used on a variety of contaminants including the following: CRUDE OIL OILS SOLVENTS BTEX GREASES AMINES CREOSOTE PHENOLS PCP FATS PNA

23 Do the microbes need to be in a heated environment to survive? Microbes will slow down their remediation and reproduction rate but not die at low temperatures. The microbes work at a more efficient rate in a warmer environment and it is a more enjoyable cleaning experience for the user if the solutions are heated.

24 Is there anything that could kill the microbe in a bioremediating parts washer? YES. Any biocides designed to kill microbes, such as bleach or chemicals that kill living things like some strong pesticides and rat poisons.

25 Why should I worry about this stuff? I have a re-cycling parts washer.. 1. When premium solvents (or PD 680) are distilled overnight, the heavier fractions, like oil, grease and other lubricants, stay behind. The lighter fractions, like benzene, ethyl benzene, and toluene, are carried into the newly recycled solvent every night. 2. The solvent user has the privilege of putting their hands into carcinogenic and teratogenic substances every morning in order to clean the dirty parts.

26 WHY YOU SHOULD CARE.

27 Verbatim excerpts from a popular Premium Solvent MSDS (also known as PD 680) POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS : high concentrations of vapor or mist may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness, and other central nervous system effects. Massive acute exposure may cause rapid central nervous system depression, sudden collapse, coma and/or death. Breathing product into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting may cause lung injury and possible death. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause central nervous system and kidney damage. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying, cracking, redness, itching, swelling (dermatitis) and/or burns

28 Verbatim excerpts from a popular Premium Solvent MSDS (also known as PD 680) SECTION 5: FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: Decomposition and combustion materials may be toxic. Burning may produce carbon monoxide and unidentified organic compounds.

29 Verbatim excerpts from a popular Premium Solvent MSDS (also known as PD 680) SECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: 100 wt%; 6.4 to 6.7 LB/US gal; 770 to 800 g/l

30 Verbatim excerpts from a popular Premium Solvent MSDS (also known as PD 680) LOCATED ON THE LAST PAGE OF THE MSDS: This product may contain a detectable amount of benzene CAS , p-dichlorobenzene CAS , ethyl benzene CAS , and naphthalene CAS WARNING: These products are known to the State of California to cause cancer. This product may contain a detectable amount of benzene CAS and toluene CAS WARNING: These products are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

31 What is RCRA? The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act enacted as an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act of RCRA is a combination of the first solid waste statutes and all subsequent amendments. RCRA authorizes EPA to regulate waste management activities. RCRA authorizes states to develop and enforce their own waste management programs, in lieu of the federal program, if a state's waste management program is substantially equivalent to, consistent with, and no less stringent than the federal program.

32 What Are Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Requirements? If you produce more than 220 lbs. per calendar month of hazardous waste, you are considered a SQG. (This is about half of a 55 gallon drum) As a SQG, you are allowed to generate less than 2200 pounds of hazardous waste in any calendar month. All hazardous waste generated by the SQG that is not treated onsite must be manifested to an offsite treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) permitted to handle hazardous waste or to an approved designated facility (e.g., recycling facility).

33 What Is EPA Manifesting? Hazardous waste that is sent to a TSDF or an approved designated facility must be listed on a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. A manifest provides a description of the hazards of the waste and the waste handlers. You must sign and date the manifest and obtain the signature of the transporter on the manifest. You must also keep this copy of the form until you receive a copy signed by the TSDF. Manifests must be kept for at least 3 years from the date of shipment. If your generator status changes, you must notify EPA.

34 What Is Cradle To Grave Liability? The federal government holds you directly and irrevocably responsible for pollution management, cleanup and disposal control of waste oil or other hazardous waste on property you own - regardless of who generated or disposed of the oil or hazardous waste. The liability is not transferable, hence "cradle-to-grave". If you are part of top management in a company that generates hazardous waste, make sure to follow its journey to final disposal or you face criminal liability and possible jail time no matter how far removed you are from the actual happenings.

35 Thank You