Natural Processess
Bioremediation
Bioremediation refers to any process that uses micro-organisms, (bacteria, fungi, green plants or enzymes) to return the environment, altered by contaminants, to its original condition. Bioremediation may be employed to attack specific soil contaminants, such as petroleum products (oil, gasoline) as well as more harmful contaminants such as chlorinated hydrocarbons. Microbes metabolize oil and gas products, converting them to water and harmless gasses.
Advantages of Bioremediation
Bioremediation is the preferred method to restore soil and ground water to its original condition for a number of reasons. Here are some advantages Bioremediation has over conventional methods:
Bioremediation uses natural processes to breakdown contaminants.
Bioremediation uses naturally existing microbes that are good for the environment.
In-situ Remediation In Situ remediation refers to treatment of contamination on site without digging up and removing it. The process of in-situ remediation includes more than just microbial injections. It also includes environmentally beneficial chemical compounds for industrial contaminants that kill microbes, such as Chlorinated Ethylene’s. Microbes need a specific environment in which to flourish or else they quickly die. Microbes need a combination of oxygen and nutrients to enable them to metabolize contaminants. These micro organisms can die from extreme heat or freeze to death in the winter time. Using special in-house developed techniques Golden is able to overcome extreme climate barriers and create optimum conditions for microbial growth year round. In-Situ has many advantages over ex-situ (digging it up and transporting it to a dump or remediation facility). One of the greatest advantages to in-situ remediation is the ability to inject microbes or contaminant degrading compounds into and beneath concrete slabs. This new technology eliminates the need to raise a building and dig out the contamination from beneath. The following lists further advantages of In-Situ remediation: Ex-situ (Dig and Dump) Whenever possible in-situ remediation is the most eco-friendly, cost effective method of remediation. Ex-situ, digging up the soil and transporting it off site brings with it some risks and disadvantages that in-situ eliminates. Ex-situ is an environmentally damaging remediation processes as it drastically disturbs the environment. Not only is the site radically disturbed, harmful gasses and chemicals are released into the air as contaminants are dug up. The risk compounds as workers are exposed. Great precautions must be taken when transporting contaminants over public highways. Ex-situ does not solve the contamination problem but moves it to a different location. Many dump sites will not take such contaminants as they leach and may contaminate aquifers. Special requirements must be met to ensure such leaching does not occur. When Ex-situ must be used, bio piling or on site treatment of excavated material is an environmentally responsible alternative to transportation to a landfill. Byproducts of bioremediation are not harmful to the environment.
No harmful chemicals are used in bioremediation. Once hydrocarbons have been digested by the microbes the microbes then die and become part the natural environment. Bioremediation enables effective in-situ remediation. Minimal disturbance to the environment. Dramatic cost savings over conventional dig and dump (30% to 60% of conventional costs). No further risk of spills that may occur in transport. Environmentally responsible.