Enhanced Aerobic Biodegradation

At a Glance

Regenesis_Icon_Mechanisms Regenesis_Icon_Trackable-Contaminents Regenesis_Icon_Concentration

Mechanism:

Treatable Contaminants:

Concentrations:

Biological Degradation

Microbes utilize oxygen to

break down contaminants

Treats petroleum hydrocarbons

and other compounds including

MTBE

Treats moderate to low

concentrations

Regenesis_Icon_Mechanisms

Regenesis_Icon_Conditions Regenesis_Icon_Applied-Frec

Time:

Conditions:

Applications Frequency:

Longer treatment time

(6-12 months)

Saturated zone

Every 6-12 months, as needed.

Single application common

Enhanced Aerobic Biodegradation Overview

Enhanced aerobic biodegradation is the practice of adding oxygen to saturated soil and groundwater to increase the number and vitality of indigenous microorganisms able to perform biodegradation. Oxygen is considered by many to be the primary growth-limiting factor for hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. Natural sources of dissolved oxygen are quickly depleted when petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the subsurface, thus the natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons in untreated, oxygen-depleted aquifers is slow.

By providing oxygen into the subsurface, remediation practitioners can accelerate naturally occurring aerobic biodegradation rates 10-100 times.

Enhanced Aerobic Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Enhanced aerobic biodegradation is typically used to treat low to moderate levels of contamination. The most commonly treated compounds treated with enhanced aerobic bioremediation are petroleum hydrocarbon constituents (BTEX, PAHs, TPH) and fuel oxygenates and related compounds (MTBE, TBA).

When it comes to high petroleum hydrocarbon levels, many remediation practitioners use enhanced aerobic biodegradation in conjunction with more potent treatments such as in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Once the hydrocarbon contamination levels have been significantly reduced through ISCO, a transition can be made to enhanced aerobic biodegradation to treat the lower-level, more widely dispersed contaminants.

REGENESIS welcomes the opportunity to provide you and your team with the tools you need to successfully plan and execute your next enhanced aerobic bioremediation project.

If you currently have a project and need a remediation solution now, request a design.

Have questions or want to explore some ideas? Contact Us to get in touch with a local representative.

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FAQs about Enhanced Aerobic Biodegradation

Enhanced aerobic biodegradation is the practice of adding oxygen to saturated soil and groundwater to increase the number and vitality of indigenous microorganisms able to perform biodegradation. Oxygen in the subsurface accelerates naturally occurring aerobic biodegradation rates 10-100 times. Enhanced aerobic biodegradation is typically used to treat low to moderate levels of contamination, typically petroleum hydrocarbon constituents, fuel oxygenates, and related compounds.

Microorganisms used in bioremediation include various types of bacteria and fungi. Bacteria are the most common microorganisms used because of their diversity and resilience.

Microbes can be used to clean up oil spills by breaking down hydrocarbons, a main component of crude oil, and harnessing that energy to survive and multiply.