When soil and groundwater are contaminated with hydrocarbons (like oil or gasoline), one
way to clean it up is through bioremediation. This process uses naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the pollutants, making it an environmentally friendly solution. However, it's important to apply the method correctly to ensure success.
💧 How Bioremediation Works
In bioremediation, microorganisms consume harmful contaminants, converting them into less harmful substances. For this to happen, the microbes need oxygen, nutrients, and the right conditions to thrive. Once the right mix is introduced to the contaminated soil or water, the natural breakdown process begins.
🔧 The Importance of Applying Bioremediation Correctly
A common misconception is that simply pouring oxidizers or bioremediation solutions down a monitoring well will clean up contamination. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work as well as people think. Without proper distribution, these solutions don’t spread out, leaving much of the contamination behind.
⚙️ Why Pressure Is Essential
For bioremediation to be effective, you need to spread the treatment solutions across the entire contaminated area. This requires pressure to push the solutions out from the well into the surrounding soil and groundwater. Another option is direct push injection, where the solution is injected in a grid pattern to ensure full coverage. These methods ensure the treatment reaches where it’s needed.
🚫 Why Some Methods Fail
There are companies out there that pour solutions into wells without using pressure or injection techniques. This approach leaves contamination untouched, and as a result, no real remediation happens. It’s vital to work with a team that uses the right methods for accurate results.
✅ Conclusion
Bioremediation is a great way to clean up hydrocarbon spills, but it must be done correctly. Whether through pressure or direct injection, getting the solution to spread properly is the key to success. It’s also important to ensure that any methods used are compliant with regulations set by Alberta Environment, guaranteeing that the remediation meets provincial standards. To ensure your site is properly remediated, trust experts who use proven, approved techniques.
Contact Nexus Environmental to learn more!
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