ACI Bioremediation™

In Situ Bioremediation

What is "in situ" bioremediation?     
     “In Situ” bioremediation means there is no need to excavate or remove soils or water in order to accomplish remediation.
     This results in major savings because there is no excavation, offsite transportation, and storage costs of polluted soils and water. There is also no transfer of the pollutant from soils and water to the atmosphere through the “accepted” EPA method of aeration. Typically, a polluted site can be completely remediated to a non-detect or State-acceptable level within a 90-day period. In areas containing extremely high concentrations of pollutants, this 90-day period may require an extension for the same results.
 
What methods does ACI Bioremediation use in the bioremediation process?   

There are two methods that can be utilized:  

     The first approach involves stimulation of indigenous bacteria, i.e., bacteria that are already onsite. These are “fed” nutrients and oxygen, which increase their metabolic activity. The most recent and famous example of this technology is the remediation undertaken by the E.P.A. in Valdez, Alaska. This process, if not carefully controlled to ensure chemical compatibility, can produce unwanted by-products such as noxious odors and biological toxicity.

     The second approach involves introduction of bacteria to the contaminated site. These are bacteria which have been enhanced to remediate the site’s specific contaminants. Generally speaking, from the regulatory, and hence the client’s perspective, the introduction of enhanced bacteria such as those in AgriCultures into contaminated soils and water is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice. The reason can be found in simple economics and defensible results, since AgriCultures have demonstrated their capabilities time and again. (See article: "Using 'Bugs' to Treat Wastewater" published in Environmental Technology. 

       “In the beginning, I was quite skeptical, I really didn’t think that they [the cultures] would work. But they’ve proven me wrong." 
Fred A. Hanson, P.E., Dowl Engineers, Redmond, WA

What pollutants are eliminated?
      AgriCultures have been found to remediate chemical pollutants that include, but are not limited to: hologenated compounds, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides, cryosotes, dry cleaning solvents, hologenated polychlorides, PNA, PCB, TDS, TNT,  DNT, DNB, DDT, lead, and nitro aromatics. AgriCultures have demonstrated the degradation of hydrocarbons (BTEX), perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene. AgriCultures also  kill pathogens and effectively address the problems of heavy metals found in soils and ground water.
      Additional studies by independent laboratories show that these remarkable cultures are highly effective in eliminating nitrites to a non-detect level. For instance, a certified independent lab that tested the cultures’ effectiveness against MTBE, a fuel additive, resulted in a 26% reduction of that chemical in a standard 48-hour test period. 
     Recent research has indicated that AgriCultures keep radioactive materials such as cesium and uranium attached to rocks and soil and out of groundwater. This is indeed a major finding. The latter research was undertaken as a joint effort between BATEL Corporation and the Idaho branch of Westinghouse Corporation.  

Is it possible to estimate bioremediation time and cost?      
     Yes. The time and cost for remediation of specific contaminants can be easily assessed in advance for individual projects. 
      For in situ bioremediation of industrial sites or sewage lagoons, package costs are based on site accessibility, location, type of pollutant, level of pollutant, and the number of  cubic yards of  polluted medium involved. As a general rule, the package cost can range anywhere from $35 per cubic yard to $100 per cubic yard. 
     Prior to any project, sampling is required  for tests by a certified laboratory to determine type and level of pollutant present. The cost of such samplings and testing is not part of our package. Such testing is always conducted by a certified  laboratory prior to inoculations, at mid point of the remediation, and at the conclusion of the remediation process.

How do you substantiate your results?
     For accurate and documented results, certified independent laboratories are always utilized for sampling and testing of soils and water before inoculation with AgriCultures and upon completion of the remediation process.