As discussed, the AquaClean ACF-32 Soil Remediation Trial that you asked about was conducted under a confidentiality agreement. Therefore, we are not able to release the Client’s name or the specific location of this project, but can provide you with the basic overview and performance results.

BluePlanet has represented Ecological Laboratories products on a global basis for over ten years. In that time we have worked on a variety of petroleum remediation projects including oil production ponds in Venezuela for GE-Betz, containment ponds in Israel, with Brenntag for trials with the Dominican National Oil Refinery and, as noted here, on several soil remediation projects in Asia. Our results have always proven to be cost effective, environmentally safe, and very efficient in terms of time and cost of application required to accomplish the task of degrading the hydrocarbon pollution when compared to other methods, or other bio-remediation products. BluePlanet, as a solution provider, has worked with our clients and Ecological Laboratories’ technical staff to develop treatment plans specific to a client’s unique problems and then to monitor the performance in order to optimize the results over time.

The particular soil remediation project, that we discussed, was conducted for a major European Oil Company, performed at an oil transportation/transfer site, in Hong Kong. The contaminated soil was under a concrete slab, where the oil had seeped into the ground to a depth of some two meters. Working with our local agent, CinoTech, a highly regarded environmental consulting firm, we drilled test holes of two to three meters in depth, conducted a gradiant-flow analysis, and then applied diluted ACF-32 through injection wells and recycled the water through extraction wells down grade. We were able to remediate over 94% of the hydro-carbon pollution within two months. This program was based on the following trial that was conducted prior to actually performing the In-Situ Treatment. The results of our soil bio-slurry remediation with AquaClean are shown below:

Starting concentration of 35.000 to 40.000 ppm (hyrocarbons C10-C40)

Waste Characteristics : AquaClean applied to a slurry containing contaminated soil in a tank: Dry material 10-15%
pH 7 to 9
TPH content 3 to 5 %. It is very different from sample to sample. (see an analysis below).
TPH was not diesel based, but made up of linear hydrocarbons chains between C10 and C40.
The boiling point is between 2000 and 2500 C in the Gas chromatographic analysis (C10-C40) giving the following breakdown in mg/kg dm.

The testing tank was +/- 600 liters slurry (ie +/- 75 kg waste+ 525 kg water). We add also some nitrogen and phosphorous in order to improve biodegradation, avoiding biochemical limitations. In the tank, the slurry was pumped in order to provide a good mix. The initial test was run for 28 days. Each 7 days we take samples in order to follow the TPH content and the biodegradation. After three weeks AquaClean had reduced the petroleum by 72.5%, and we proceeded to implement the In-Situ Program with the results stated above.

In our experience, all applications for in-situ remediation tend to be somewhat site specific, but in general most treatment plans have required the following:

- Application of the ACF-32 - In an aqueous medium, the bacteria can be added directly to the body of water. In land based applications, or with slicks on the surface of the water, the product can be diluted 1:10 to 1:50 with water and sprayed directly on the oil.

- Adjusting the C:N:P ratio. In order to break down the hydrocarbon, it has proven best to have adequate nutrients to support the growth of the bacteria and the bio-chemical reactions. As you are well aware, the C:N:P ratio of 100:5:1 is usually ideal.

- Use of a solubilizing agent in aqueous medium - This accelerates the breakdown by putting the hydrocarbon in a form that is more readily usable by the bacteria. EcoLabs has usually recommended a lipophilic surfactant, which has proven particularly effective in supporting the activity of ACF-32 and is more efficient in large aqueous-based applications.

As such, BluePlanet’s experience has taught us the practical side of bioremediation. In the real world, you first focus on the unique aspects and description of the site; then the approximate quantity of hydrocarbon to be degraded. If in an aqueous medium, the important factors for consideration are: the approximate volume of water; the type of hydrocarbon and state, e.g. weathered crude; the environmental conditions e.g. ambient temperatures, pH of water, salinity, nutrient values, access to the site for equipment, machinery, etc; and, the time frame in which you desired to treat the hydrocarbon.