Case Study: EnviroZyme® Remediates Soil Contaminated with Oil in Three Months

In a society reliant on the fossil fuel industry, mineral oil is one of the most common contaminants in the world. Soil is easily saturated by oil’s viscosity, meaning it is incredibly difficult to separate the two. Soil is considered dangerously contaminated when total petroleum hydrocarbons are measured at levels of 1,000 ppm. When EnviroZyme measured the contamination at their client’s site, soil contamination was reading at levels closer to 21,960 ppm, deeming the site worthy of considerable cleanup action. Read on to learn how EnviroZyme efficiently diminished contaminant levels back to levels of compliance.

Site Survey

A geological survey conducted at a national overnight express package company’s facility revealed a contaminated area north of the property, west of a former diesel tank pit. The contamination was caused by two underground storage tanks. One tank contained spent fuel, while the other contained new, unused oil. Both tanks had since been removed. Following the survey, a monitoring well was installed at the site to provide future monitoring and an accessible infiltration avenue for bioremediation.

Solution

EnviroZyme crafted a special blend of bacteria and micronutrients to target and effectively remove volatile compounds (VOCs) and total petroleum hydrocarbons from the soil. Following culturing and propagation, the batch was placed directly into the monitoring well’s contaminate plume. Following application, readings in search of degradation components were regularly collected and recorded. Bioremediation began on January 23^rd, and nondetect readings were obtained less than three months later on March 20^th.

Two methods were used to determine the effectivity of EnviroZyme’s solution, categorized by the EPA as methods 5030 and 8020. Method 5030, also known as “purge-and-trap,” provided the facility with the guidelines they needed for measuring effective, safe cleanup.  In this instance, EnviroZyme’s product was ridding the soil of VOCs, and the monitoring well trapped the purged gasses for observation and proof of effectivity. If the oil was properly degrading due to the EnviroZyme product, certain degradation compounds would be trapped in the monitoring well for easy documentation. Method 8020 is often partnered with 5030, as it outlines procedures necessary for recording elements present when using the purge-and-trap method.

Results

Final samples were obtained and forwarded to an independent laboratory for further review and verification. The lab confirmed prior nondetect readings, meaning that VOC levels were within normal parameters and no longer posed a threat. The packaging facility is no longer liable for waste found on the property.  

Contract Fermentation Services

EnviroZyme’s full technical lab offers cutting-edge innovation, prepared to accommodate custom bioaugmentation demands. Our industry experts are capable of creating, testing, and delivering a high quality custom bacillus product designed specifically for our customers’ applications. As one of the most advanced microbial manufacturing plants in the nation, the EnviroZyme facility is FDA registered, ISO certified, and cGMP compliant. Click here to discuss your needs with an industry expert.