Hydrocarbon Reduction from Water/Wastewater/Soil
With Bacteria-Enzyme Microbial Formula

Extensive research has resulted in the creation of selectively cultured natural microorganisms that safely and effectively break down organic-based contaminants generated by petroleum/petrochemical spills.

When mixed with water and applied as a slurry to contaminated areas, the naturally occurring microorganisms break down the molecular structures of the targeted contaminants by utilizing their mass as a source of energy.

Our products can be used with complete safety. The bacteria used in OBT® are dried bacterial cultures that are naturally occurring along with enzymes that are environmentally friendly. Used as directed, they will not harm humans, animals, or plant life.

The Value of The OBT® Supplementation

Laboratory testing and actual field use has shown that the treatment of petroleum and petrochemical contaminants in water or soil using a slurry made from the OBT® dried microorganisms can produce the following end results:

1. De-emulsification - In systems where emulsification of oil is a factor, it is typical that the introduction of OBT® cultures breaks the significant portion of the oil phase itself.
2. Digestion and Release of Contaminants in Soils - Treatment can take place in situ or ex situ depending on circumstances and the environment associated with the spill. Treatment time can range from a matter of days to weeks depending upon soil conditions, the nature of the oils, temperature, and the concentration and depth of penetration.
3. Conversion of Heavy Oils and Tars to Light Floating Oil - Because bacterial activity only occurs at the molecular level of the water-oil interface, the time required for conversion is dependent upon viscosity and quantity of the materials as well as mixing protocol.
4. Digestion of Surface Contaminants in Fresh or Salt Water - Because of the high degree of interface between OBT® and the contaminant, the rate of degradation tends to be quite rapid at first, but gradually diminishes as the more biodegradable oils are consumed. Open water wave action will generally accomplish effective mixing.
5. Residue - The principle byproducts of degradation are carbon dioxide, water, energy cell mass and biological waste. These byproducts are non-toxic and contain no hazardous waste.
6. Control of Malodors - Not only are many of the malodorous components broken down through the application of OBT® microorganisms (thereby reducing odor levels), but also OBT® cultures will not generate hydrogen sulfide under anaerobic conditions. This ensures a cost-efficient, convenient means of controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions.

Assuring a Successful Program

The effective use of OBT® cultures in a bioremediation program is dependent upon the environmental conditions present at the application site. The OBT® cultures, like all bacteria and enzymes, perform best under certain environmental conditions. These conditions, in turn, dictate the efficiency of hydrocarbon degradation and the corresponding dosage rates.

The time required for biodegradation also depends upon the nature of emulsifying agents, environmental conditions, mixing, and other factors.

The following physical and chemical parameters have been identified regarding the promotion of microorganism growth.

pH Levels
A pH range of 6 to 9 is acceptable. Optimum growth will occur near a pH at or near neutrality (6.8 to 8.0).

Temperature
OBT® formula will perform at temperature ranges of 50°F [10°C] to 140°F [60°C], but the microbial growth rate is optimized between 80°F [26.6°C] to 90°F [32.2°C]. Bacterial cell death will occur at temperatures above 140°F [60°C]. Temperatures below 50°F [10°C] will not kill the bacterial cells, but it will inhibit cell growth.

Essential Elements
OBT® proprietary cultures require various essential elements in their diet (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, etc.). Naturally occurring water and soil sources usually contain adequate quantities of the above, with the possible exception of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Nitrogen
OBT® cultures require at least five parts per million (ppm) nitrogen for acceptable growth. A nitrogen content of approximately 20 ppm is ideal.

Phosphorus
At least 1 ppm is required. Optimum growth occurs when phosphorus levels exceed 7 ppm.

Salinity
OBT® cultures have been proven to be effective in both marine and fresh waters.

Toxic Shock
OBT® cultures are quite resistant to toxic chemical shock, including sudden influxes of petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds, cyanides and heavy metals.

Note: When chemicals of known bactericidal activity are present in the contaminated site, pretreatment studies should be undertaken to assess their effects upon the microorganisms.

Aeration
Aeration serves as a highly effective catalyst to speed up the degradation process. Our bacteria are facultative strains and natural enzymes, thereby performing with either dissolved or chemically combined oxygen. They operate far more effectively with dissolved oxygen simply because they obtain more energy from it.

Compounds
containing oxygen can be degraded anaerobically, but aerobic processes may be needed initially as catalysts to initiate oxidative attack of non-oxygen bearing hydrocarbon structures.

Substrate Composition
The composition of the substrate also enters into the picture. Straight chained compositions are broken down more rapidly than branched chained and cross linked structures. Many of the cyclic compositions take longer to be broken down. The greater the number of compositions present within a substrate, the longer the time required for degradation.

Actual field treatments and research indicates the need to reinoculate with OBT® after approximately one week into the treatment program in order to compensate for the dilution of the contaminant and the loss of microbial activity.

Environmental Considerations
Adverse conditions such as cold temperatures, oxygen, nitrogen or phosphorus deficient soil or water, chemical toxic load, highly acidic/alkaline pH, or excessive dilution of the biomass by tides and currents may retard or prevent a desirable level of organic biodegradation. Under such conditions a bench scale treatability study should be conducted to assess the hydrocarbon degradation and dosage schedule of the OBT® bioremediation products. If conditions warrant, site engineering to improve growth conditions may be required.

OBT® Application and Treatment Schedules

To prepare OBT® cultures for use, first hydrate the dried cultures by mixing 1 lb. [454g] of dry OBT® powder in 1 gallon [3.79L] of warm water (fresh or from host waste water) and mix. When the mixture is ready, pour or spray the slurry directly onto the oil/contaminant.

Note: The slurry must be applied within 3 hours after being hydrated and it must be at the same temperature as the contaminants before application in order to prevent thermal shock.

Contaminated Water
In most cases, the slurry is sprayed or poured in or onto the contaminated water because OBT® microorganisms operate at the oil/water interface. Wave or current action generally supplies the required mixing action, but in certain circumstances it may be necessary to mechanically agitate the contaminated area. The product works equally well in both salt and fresh water.

Contaminated Land
All bacteria, both indigenous and commercially prepared, require an aqueous environment for growth. Because of this, petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants spilled onto land must be brought into contact with water throughout the treatment program.

OBT® microorganisms, like all bacteria, will only live in an aqueous environment, so it is imperative that their introduction must be associated with water (as opposed to merely sprinkling dried cultures over the oil). This can be accomplished by repeated wetting of the area with pumped water or by enclosing of the contaminated soil within an earthen dike. Water depth of four to six inches [10.16cm-15.24cm] is desirable. If these options are impractical, absorbent mats of shredded cork, cloth or other porous materials can be spread over the contaminated area to foster an effective contaminant/water/bacterial mix.

Alternatively, nonpermeable sheets of plastic can be spread over a previously wetted area to retard evaporation. When environmental conditions are poor for bacterial growth (e.g. winter spills onto frozen ground), biodegradation can be improved by combining the contaminated soil and OBT® cultures in on-site bioreactor accelerators where temperature, moisture level and pH can be monitored and controlled.

Oxygen aeration is also desirable. Contact with the air usually provides sufficient aeration when