Substrate Distribution and Performance
As the remediation business has changed JRW strives to stay in the forefront of technology development to improve substrate distribution and performance as well as prove out concepts for the remediation of emerging contaminants. We recognize that the keys to a successful bioremediation program are understanding the conditions limiting substrate distribution and optimizing microbial metabolism. If you can’t get proper distribution, you won’t be able to promote the right microbial activity to transform your contaminant.
Although this is a basic concept of enhancing bioremediation, it is still not widely ingrained in the consulting industry. A great example is the evolution of the concept of the use of emulsified vegetable oil (EVO). Early work concentrated on the slow dissolution properties of vegetable oil in order to provide a long lasting substrate. It was quickly recognized that neat vegetable oil dissolves slowly but it also has properties that can limit its distribution in the subsurface. The perceived solution was to emulsify neat oil to overcome some of those distribution issues. Initially field emulsions were used and then per-emulsified products were introduced to improve product quality.
Although this is a basic concept of enhancing bioremediation, it is still not widely ingrained in the consulting industry. A great example is the evolution of the concept of the use of emulsified vegetable oil (EVO). Early work concentrated on the slow dissolution properties of vegetable oil in order to provide a long lasting substrate. It was quickly recognized that neat vegetable oil dissolves slowly but it also has properties that can limit its distribution in the subsurface. The perceived solution was to emulsify neat oil to overcome some of those distribution issues. Initially field emulsions were used and then per-emulsified products were introduced to improve product quality.
