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FAQ

Some frequently asked questions answered:

What is Bioremediation?

Bioremediation is the process through which environmentally harmful contaminants are converted into non-toxic compounds. This process is performed by locally occurring micro-organisms. The microbes generate enzymes and it is the enzymes that break down the hydrocarbons into their constituent parts. The enzymes created by the organisms will break down petroleum hydrocarbons and convert them to carbon dioxide (CO2) & water (H2O).

What are the advantages of Bioremediation?

Bioremediation is a natural process – it is nature’s way of dealing with contamination problems. The following are a few of the advantages & reasons why you should consider this innovative process:
  • The process is an ecologically safe and natural process. It is nature’s way of solving contamination problems.
  • Bioremediation is cost-effective. The process is generally 60–70% less costly than other technologies.
  • Bioremediation causes little or no disruption to the surrounding, non-contaminated areas.
  • With bioremediation, there is virtually no investment in “capital equipment”.
  • With this process, it is possible to remediate areas that are not easily accessible or are inaccessible to other technologies.
  • Bioremediation can be accomplished in-situ, thereby eliminating the hazard of “off-site contamination” caused by digging, hauling and transporting contaminants to other areas.
  • Bioremediation is a non-invasive process and air quality and air pollution concerns from volatile chemical evaporation are eliminated.
  • After bioremediation is completed, the environment is virtually restored to its pristine condition.
  • The process poses no health or safety risks to your employees thereby reducing insurance costs.

Why are S-200 Oilgone and PRP the best hydrocarbon remediation tools on the market?

S-200 Oilgone and PRP are nutrient additives. This means that they contain a food source for local micro-organisms. S-200 Oilgone and PRP stimulate the growth of these local microbes, and they, in turn, generate enzymes at an accelerated rate. This expanded micro-organism population and increased rate of enzyme production vastly increase the speed at which the hydrocarbons are bioremediated. Neither S-200 Oilgone nor PRP contains any living organisms. This means that they do not introduce any ‘foreign bacteria’ to the ecosystem. Unlike other remediation products, S-200 Oilgone and PRP require no special solutions, no special mixing and no waiting period before application. The simple act of spraying either S-200 Oilgone or PRP onto the hydrocarbon spill or leak activates the product. Both products are easy to use and therefore require very little training of personnel. All of these factors translate into cost savings for the user.

What happens if I add more S-200 OilGone Liquid than needed for my site?

The ratio of S-200 Oilgone to be used will depend on the quantity and type of hydrocarbon that has spilt. In optimal conditions for bioremediation, you will have to add 1l of S-200 Oilgone per 2-3l of hydrocarbon contaminant. Additionally, one litre of S-200 Oilgone can cover up to 6sqm of hydrocarbon spill on a hard surface. This ratio can be increased if the conditions are not optimal. Nevertheless, if you apply more nothing bad will happen, as the fatty acid outer shell will protect the nutrients until it is attached to new contaminant.

Could the Nitrogen and Phosphorous present in the product create an algae bloom?

No. The core of the S-200 crystal is made up of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous in a 120:10:1 ratio. The nitrogen and phosphorous in the core of the crystal are fused together and does not allow them to create the conditions for an algae bloom.

What analytical methodology should I use to determine the biodegradation rate?

The general and best way to determine the biodegradation rate is the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon test. This test determines the level of hydrocarbon in the sample being tested – PPM (parts per million). More advanced tests include the Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrograph, which determines the constituents in the TPH. With the GC data, you can determine what elements of the hydrocarbon is degradable and what is not.

Will S-200 Oilgone work on chlorinated contaminants?

S-200 Oilgone is an oleophilic fertilizer; therefore it will attach to the hydrocarbons and stimulates hydrocarbon microorganisms. Normally the bacteria that degrade hydrocarbons are aerobic, therefore they need oxygen to live. What happens with chlorinated contaminants is that they do not biodegrade in an aerobic state and only degrade if the environment is anaerobic. We do not know of any microorganism that biodegrades Chlorinated hydrocarbons anaerobically at a reasonable rate, but if you have these organisms in the contaminated area, Nanobite Liquid will work the same way as for aerobic bacteria.

Will the product affect the environment in any way?

No. Both S-200 Oilgone and PRP are 100% organic and biodegradable. Nothing will be left after the decontamination of the site. We have successfully passed very deep and detail tests for toxicology on fresh and saltwater.

Can I use S-200 Oilgone after using a Soil Vapour Extraction or Multi-Phase Extraction systems?

Yes. Not only you can use S-200 Oilgone after using another physical method, but you can use it at the same time. S-200 Oilgone will stimulate the bacteria present for the biodegradation of your contaminant while you can make physical extractions of the heavily contaminated zones (free product).

Will S-200 Oilgone biodegrade asphaltenes?

Yes. And not only in laboratory conditions. S-200 Oilgone has been tested in the bioremediation of the Prestige Spill (Spain, 2002). After four months of 2 applications with S-200 Oilgone, we were able to bioremediate 100% of fuel #6 covering the rocky Spanish shoreline. This was tested and confirmed by Dr. Miguel Angel Murado from the Spanish Governmental Scientific Institution “CSIC-IIM of Vigo”

Can S-200 Oilgone be used with peroxides?

S-200 Oilgone can be used with any other technology that creates better environmental conditions for biodegradation. For low contaminated areas, the oxygen dissolved in water or present in the soil could be enough. For heavily contaminated areas, the use of physical or chemical oxygenating methods is always a plus.

What kind of bacteria grow when we apply S-200 Oilgone?

S-200 Oilgone will stimulate specific hydrocarbon eating microorganisms. S-200 Oilgone will activate the indigenous micro-organisms, the type of which can vary depending on the site and conditions. Our experience has shown that the variety of organism varies in winter and summer; the more adapted micro-organism for that climate is present in larger populations. S-200 Oilgone stimulates a wide range of hydrocarbon digesters. This consortium also makes different hydrocarbon chains degradable and together creates the right mix to biodegrade all the contaminant present.

Can S-200 Oilgone be injected through monitoring wells?

S-200 Oilgone can be injected into groundwater through infiltration bands, or monitoring wells. The success of this depends on the porousness of the soil. If needed, S-200 Oilgone can be diluted with water to facilitate the infiltration of the product.

Will S-200 Oilgone change the pH of the aquifer?

No. S-200 Oilgone has a pH between 6.8 and 7.0 and will not change the pH of the groundwater.

What is the radius of influence of S-200 Oilgone in an aquifer?

If a project site has slow groundwater flow, the radius of influence of S-200 Oilgone will be wide and in all directions. S-200 Oilgone will follow the flow of the water and only physical barriers could reduce its spread through the area. A very fast-moving aquifer will result in a narrow band of S-200 Oilgone moving down-gradient with less lateral spreading. If we have doubts on the radius of influence it can achieve on a certain site, you can mix S-200 Oilgone with water (x2 or x4) in order to get a better dispersion of the product.

Are there any disposal issues with the spent S-200 Oilgone?

S-200 Oilgone is a 100% biodegradable liquid product that is applied in the soil or water. You will not have any disposal waste.

How much Nitrogen and Phosphorous will S-200 Oilgone provide?

The optimum ratio for biodegradation is 120:10:1 (Carbon:Nitrogen: Phosphorous). Using the recommended ratio of S-200 Oilgone to the biodegradable hydrocarbon, you are applying the nitrogen compounds and phosphate compounds necessary to reach this ratio in conjunction with the hydrocarbon contaminant.

How long will it take for S-200 Oilgone to clean up my site?

We estimate that, in general, S-200 Oilgone increases biodegradation rates by between 10 to 50 times, depending on a number of factors. These factors include the type of hydrocarbon, the mass of the contaminant, the type of micro-organisms present, the temperature and the availability of oxygen. The duration of any clean-up is difficult to predict with accuracy due to the range of influencing factors. The bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants using S-200 Oilgone is a less costly, less invasive, and a more organic remediation alternative than conventional expensive, highly-engineered, physical or chemical treatment methods.

Will S-200 Oilgone dissolve in water?

S-200 Oilgone is totally miscible in water. You can dissolve S-200 Oilgone in non-chlorinated water to get a better dispersion of the product on soil or groundwater.

When I apply S-200 Oilgone over contaminated water, I see a layer on the surface. Is this normal?

When S-200 Oilgone comes in contact with any liquid hydrocarbon, it bonds with it immediately, agglomerates the material and creates a wax-like gel. S-200 Oilgone will not sink and does not allow the hydrocarbon to sink either. This gel floats on the surface of the water allowing the aerobic degradation of the hydrocarbon to occur.