Bioremediation
Simply put, bioremediation, also known as biotreatment, is getting bacteria to eat oil. More specifically, it is the use of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) naturally present in the soils consume and clean up fuel-derived toxic compounds and transform them into harmless carbon dioxide. The objective of bioremediation is to accelerate the natural decomposition process by controlling oxygen, temperature, moisture, and nutrient parameters.
Bioremediation Accelerator
A bioremediation accelerator is a chemical containing no bacteria which bonds to soluble and insoluble hydrocarbons, causing them to form clumps that the bacteria will eat. Characteristics of bioremediation accelerators include the following:
- They chemically and physically bond to both soluble and insoluble hydrocarbons.
- They act as a herding agent in water and on the surface and the accelerator causes molecules to float to the surface of the water.
- These are usually chemical products with hazardous properties.
- Workers need additional training in their safe use and perhaps additional PPE. Check with your site supervisor for SDSs.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-4. What is the objective of bioremediation?
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