Site Remediation
Treatment of contaminated soils by bioremediation by the biopiles method
The biopile method is a combination of the working the soil and composting. it consists of the formation of different-sized piles of biodegradable material, composed of contaminated soil and organic matter (compost) under conditions that are favorable to the biodegradation of the contaminants. These piles of compost can be aerated either in an active manner by turning the pile over, or passively using perforated aeration pipes, when we want to accelerate the remediation process.
The aim of the bioremediation is to lower the contaminant agent to imperceptible, non-toxic or acceptable levels, in other words, within the permitted limits or to completely mineralize it to Co2 and H2O. From an environmental point of view, this total mineralization represents its complete detoxification.
In practice and in general one of the composting technologies most used for the treatment of extensive areas of contaminated soil, mainly in the case of TPH, is done under aerobic conditions and is known as biopiles, biocells or compost heaps (Iturbe - Argüelles et al. 2002). Biopiles are a way of composting where piles are made out of the contaminated soil and bulking agents. Nutrients and water are added to the system, that can be open or closed, which is then placed in the treatment areas that include systems for collecting leachates and some form of aeration.
Principles of the Method
The fitting out of an area that will be used as a base for the biopile, the size of which will depend on the amount of soil to be treated. The base may consist of compacted clay soil, concrete or high density polythene. It is recommended that a system for the collection of leachates by means of channels or pipes should be installed- the leachates can be stored-; the excavation of the contaminated soil; the transportation of the soil to the treatment site; the conditioning of the biopile; mixture of the soil and placement of the material on top of the base; finally it is recommended that the contaminated soil or material in the bottom and walls of the excavation should be monitored as is the material deposited in the biopiles.
The Microorganisms
The product that CAM uses is PolyPetroSolve, which is a product composed of microorganisms that are mobile, petrophilic, harmless, non-pathogenic, designed for the degradation of hydrocarbons. These microorganisms have the natural ability to emigrate to the material being treated (the target) and thus commence the biodegradation process. They are also tolerant to changes, concentrations of hydrocarbons, temperature and pH. PolyPetroSolve can biodegrade a wide range of aromatic or branched hydrocarbons and greases, the degradation process starts almost immediately, does not require any special preparation and is very easy to use. It improves the biological stability of the system; remediate water with a minimum of perturbations and modifications to the system.
In the biodegradation process, the development of the bacteria (their lifetime) depends on a variety of factors, particularly the required balance of nutrients and capacity to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons of high molecular weight. On the one hand, PolyPetroSolve is gradually conditioned with additional nutrients that allow it the balanced development in the degradation of hydrocarbons. This makes them highly resistant and lets them stay on for more time to attack heavy compounds. This compound is formulated to work in both In Situ and ExSitu treatments.
It contains soil conditioners, macro and micro nutrients, factors especially selected for growth and when the surface so requires, active compounds. They raise the levels of degradation of halogen and non-halogen molecules, lower the toxicity in high and low pH environment and release trapped hydrocarbons. Its high stability allows it to generate optimum degradation and levels of growth in low-oxygen environments.
Equipment to be Used
Generally the equipment used is large, heavy machinery; however that depends on the volume of contaminated soil, its distribution in the work area and the time to do the jobs. Furthermore the equipment we use are recent models, without any risk of mechanical failures, with trained operators and in optimum operating conditions so as avoid any contingency the jobs are being carried out.
Our Personnel
The personnel of Corporación Ambiental Mexicana S.A. de C.V. who are involved from the start of the jobs is highly trained in the solution of problems to do with the Handling, Treatment and Final Disposal of Waste Generated inside your company, for which we have an individual solution for each one of these factors. Our personnel are also skilled in carrying out the necessary negotiations with the corresponding authorities to quickly solve any situation arising from your environmental liabilities.
Soil treatment, sampling and laboratory analyses
At the present time Corporación Ambiental Mexicana S.A. de C.V. has the Hazardous Waste Treatment Authorization No 9-3-PS-V- 10-2006 accredited by SEMARNAT dated January 27th 2006 and valid for 5 years. The authorized process is “ On Site Bioremediation using biopiles to one side of the contaminated site. We are also experienced in the handling of other technologies such as “Reactive Barriers ” aplicable to water table pollution, and “The In Situ treatment of water table and subsoil by means of the construction of injection wells ”.
As part of their needs to grow to develop, Corporación Ambiental Mexicana S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Celanese set up Laboratorio de Servicios (LASER) which is a laboratory that specializes in environmental analyses and has technologically advanced equipment and highly qualified personnel to offer reliable results in the different laboratory tests.
With this alliance we are able to offer analytical services for: Water, Soil, and the Work Environment.
