All Zero-Valent Iron (ZVI) remediation products ARE NOT THE SAME. The MAJOR DIFFERENCE between Emulsified Zero-Valent Iron (eZVI) and other ZVI products is the physical structure of the eZVI product, which is a water-in-oil emulsion (see below images). This structure makes the eZVI product hydrophobic, and therefore it is fully miscible with source material in situ. The water on the interior of the eZVI is the hydrogen donor for abiotic reductive dechlorination reactions to proceed. Without a hydrogen donor, abiotic reactions that occur on the surfaces of the ZVI particles will not proceed.
Due to the unique (patented) physical structure of eZVI, the ZVI component of the emulsion is protected inside of a hydrophobic membrane (see image above), and unlike any other ZVI products, this enables the ZVI to efficiently target the destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., contaminants that have the appropriate hydrophobic physical chemistry to pass through the vegetable oil membrane and contact the ZVI). Another significant difference between the technologies is the fact that eZVI takes advantage of the physical chemistry of the contaminant, and sequesters it in the vegetable oil membrane surrounding each micelle (see above images). The sequestering of contaminants in the oil layer results in significantly reduced aqueous contaminant concentrations, and therefore decreases mass flux from the source area. Contaminants that have phase partitioned into the vegetable oil layer then begin dissolving/diffusing into the aqueous interior of the micelle where they contact the ZVI and are destroyed (completely dechlorinated to ethane). A concentration gradient is established and the contamination is continually pulled toward the interior of the micelle where it its abiotically dechlorinated (i.e., so no DCE, VC associated with these reactions). While both technologies utilize the same chemistries, eZVI is engineered to directly remediate source areas by optimizing the role of abiotic reactions, which DO NOT create problematic daughter intermediates.
In addition to the above abiotic reactions, the vegetable oil membrane associated with the eZVI is a fermentable carbon source and therefore acts as an electron donor for biostimulation downgradient of the eZVI injection area(s). With eZVI you get a one-two punch; (1) optimized abiotic reactions along with (2) the polishing effects of anaerobic bioremediation processes.
Target the use of your ZVI. Do not be fooled into thinking that injection of ZVI and a carbon substrate (e.g., vegetable oil, lactates, fatty acids, plant fibers) is the same as using eZVI.
Our eZVI is the superior choice when remediating sites with source areas/DNAPL zones (residual or pooled).
The use of carbon substrates as electron donors to enhance reductive dechlorination has been commercially used to remediate chemical contaminants since at least the early1990′s. To reduce costs, many in the industry have moved toward cheaper, less refined substrates, which alone may show poor kinetics and low efficiency.
Thus, at many sites, a common technological challenge is maintaining sufficient nutrient concentrations to support biomass growth as well as contaminant and substrate metabolism. We encourage our clients to include monitoring of groundwater nutrient levels and measurement of substrate utilization rates as indicators of in situ biological activity.
Addition of nutrients can facilitate the remediation process. Relative ratios of nutrients favorable for natural degradation are in the order of 100 Carbon / 10 Nitrogen / 1 Phosphorous / 1 Potassium / 1 Sulfur. This also means that microbes rely on the C:N ratio to break down organic contaminants. A lower carbon to nitrogen ratio is one of the indications that necessary degradation times can be reduced. Nutrimens™ liquid, which has over 12% of total carbon to help reduce the amount of additional substrate required, can add more than 6.4 g/kg of TKN as well as 2.4 g/kg of Total Phosphorus.
Some practitioners add yeast extracts to promote the activity of contaminant degrading bacteria in bioremediation of halogenated hydrocarbon-impacted groundwater. However, we are not aware of evidence that supports the claim that yeast extract enhances the efficiency of electron donor utilization in bioremediation.
Our Nutrimens™ product, an all-natural fermentation product produced during the anaerobic fermentation of an unmodified strain of botanical classification Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a better choice than yeast extract. Besides its role in increasing the rates of bioremediation, addition of Nutrimens™ increases the efficiency of electron donor utilization. Nutrimens™ provides a source of sugars, proteins, vitamins and amino acids contained in yeast cells and extracellular metabolites which will decrease the remediation time. In addition, Nutrimens™ has also been demonstrated to aid in maintaining circumneutral pH.
Many practitioners simply add Nutrimens™ to contaminated environments to improve microbial treatment of the contaminated material. Nutrimens™ works with microbes and electron donors to improve the rate of degradation of the contaminant making the remedy faster, better, and cheaper.
For more information on Nutrimens™ please contact your local Tersus Representative or call us today at 919.453.5577 x 2002
Bacteria that are active in reductive dechlorination such as Dehalococcoides (DHC) are very sensitive to low pH. The optimal pH for DHC is between 6 and 8.5. Most microbial processes associated with the addition of electron donors tend to lower pH by the production of acidic fermentation products such as carbon dioxide and volatile fatty acids. Conversely, some microbial processes such as the reduction of sulfur stimulated by addition of an electron donor can increase pH.
While EDS-ER has a neutral pH when mixed with water, EDS-ER has no buffering as its alkalinity is below 1.0 mg CaCO3/L. We often suggest the addition of Nutrimens. Field and experimental data has shown that Nutrimens helps maintain circumneutral pH.
Sites with a ground water pH below 6.0 prior to electron donor injection are likely to produce pH values well below 6.0 after the addition of any electron donor. We often suggest performing an acidity titration on groundwater and soil slurries to evaluate the amount of alkalinity needed to reach the optimal pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. SiREM can provide this service.
Our clients have used buffers such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, etc. with EDS-ER. These buffers are readily available for purchase at chemical suppliers and can work well in some applications. However, reapplication is common, as the buffering is typically not long lasting. Other options include adding a strong base like sodium hydroxide, but there is more of a concern with overshooting the pH and there are more Health and Safety issues in the field.
Many clients are looking to Gas Infusion technology. gPRO and iSOC units can infuse ammonia (NH3) into groundwater. Treating water with ammonia is not new. The advantages of ammonia over other neutralizing agents are increasing its popularity in industries such as mining. When ammonia meets acidic groundwater, some of the ammonia will react directly with the acid, consuming acidity, raising pH and producing the ammonium ion. Ammonia will also react directly with the groundwater producing ammonium and the hydroxyl base ions (NH3 + H20 -> NH4+ + OH-). Another benefit of ammonia is that it provides a source of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for microorganisms.
Wake Forest, North Carolina (October 15, 2012) – Environmental announced today David Alden has joined the firm as a Technical Associate. Based in North Carolina, Alden will provide technical and sales support for Tersus Environmental’s portfolio of biotechnology-based solutions to manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities and reduce costs for site closure.
“David is an enormous asset to the Tersus team,” said Gary Birk, P.E, Managing Partner of Tersus Environmental. “His international experience and entrepreneurial spirit will bode particularly well for Tersus and the companies we represent. David will help support the Company’s continued commitment to provide outstanding customer service and assistance.”
A graduate of Universidad de las Americas-Puebla, Mexico, where he majored in Civil Engineering with a focus on waste-water treatment. Alden worked for 4 years in the upstream oilfield sector performing offshore well tests and completion design and installation in the Gulf of Mexico. He participated in the in-situ oil-shale extraction experiment in the Piceance Basin, in Northwestern Colorado where protecting groundwater was the main challenge.
Alden recently specialized in groundwater studies, completing a Masters Degree program in Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble France. During a 4-month internship period, he conducted soil and groundwater sampling, oversaw well installation and injection procedures, as well as designed hydrogeological studies and remediation plans at a major dam construction site in the Romanche Valley, France.
Alden’s command of French, Spanish and English will assist Tersus in its international expansion.
GUELPH, ONTARIO and WAKE FOREST, NORTH CAROLINA (February 23, 2012) – SiREM (www.Siremlab.com) and Tersus Environmental (www.tersusenv.com) announced today the signing of a Sales Agency Agreement between the two firms. Under the terms of the agreement, Tersus Environmental will market, promote and sell SiREM’s bioaugmentation cultures – KB-1® and KB-1® Plus – as well as Gene-Trac® molecular testing services and treatability studies.
SiREM provides tools environmental professionals need to optimize remediation of chlorinated solvents and other recalcitrant chemicals, helping clients save money, increase remediation effectiveness and provide peace of mind during field implementation.
Tersus Environmental is a developer and marketer of advanced, innovative technologies for the remediation of soil and groundwater and is the exclusive marketing channel for inVentures Technologies groundwater products – including iSOC® Gas inFusion technology and the gPRO® oxygenation systems – as well as their various remedial uses.
“We have always been impressed with SiREM’s leadership in the area of bioremediation and treatability studies,” says Gary Birk, Managing Partner, Tersus. “As an industry leader, SiREM distinguishes itself from other solutions providers with a unique range of products and testing services combined with unparalleled technical support.”
“We are keen to work with Tersus,” says Peter Dollar, Managing Director of SiREM. “Tersus’ network of sales associates and staff around the world will help provide a much broader support function to those customers using KB-1® and related services. Our joint resources give Tersus customers the best biotechnology-based solutions to manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities and reduce costs for site closure.”
Cemcor Environmental Services (CES) Joins Tersus Environmental as Sales and Marketing Business Partner
Holland, Ohio, January 14, 2012 — Ohio based Cemcor Environmental Services (CES) will expand its groundwater remediation product line for enhanced bioremediation.
The expanded product line includes Tersus’ complete family of electron donors for enhanced anerobic bioremediation, peroxygens (TersOx), and the MicroBlower, a passive soil vapor extraction technology patented by the DOE’s Savannah River National Laboratory as well as iSOC, HiSOC and gPRO from inVentures which Tersus is the exclusive worldwide representative for.
CES, led by Craig Marlow, will help support Tersus Environmental’s continued commitment to providing outstanding customer service and assistance, helping to ensure superior remediation outcomes.
“We are excited to expand our product line to include the Tersus family of soil and groundwater remediation technologies into the Great Lakes Region,” Craig said. “The electorn donors, peroxygens and the vapor extraction system are a perfect addition to our existing Gas inFusion technologies, all supporting enhanced bioremediation.”
“We are looking forward to having Cemcor Environmental Services lead our customer technical support and business development in the Great Lakes Region”, said Gary Birk, Managing Partner of Tersus Environmental. “Their unique combination of knowledge, application expertise, training skills and sales experience will make CES an invaluable member of our team as we pursue our goal to provide the best biotechnology-based solutions to effectively manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities; reducing costs for site closure; and improving customer service.”
About Cemcor Environmental Services
Cemcor Environmental Services (CES) provides marketing and technical support for various groundwater remediation technologies and services for sites impacted with petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, oxidized heavy metals, and energetics. Mr. Marlow has over 20 years experience in remediation contracting services, equipment, products and technologies. For more information about Cemcor Environmental Services (CES) visit www.cesremediation.com.
Contact
Craig E. Marlow, President
Cemcor Environmental Services (CES)
Tel 419.867.8966 ▪ Cell 419.349.7970
Email cemarlow@att.net
www.cesremediation.com
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The beginning of the year is always exciting. I find myself looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead and setting those daunting resolutions. Making a list of objectives is a healthy exercise. For me, it provides a road map for things I hope to accomplish in the coming year. As a Company, Tersus Environmental does the same. I would like to share with you a little insight into our objectives and goals and touch on some of the highlights.
From a broad perspective, our list of “resolutions” for 2012 may sound familiar and is perhaps not very different than yours. We have a clear vision of what we want to deliver to our Customers around the world every year. We aspire to:
- Offer the best biotechnology-based solutions to effectively manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities; reducing costs for site closure; and improving customer service
- Operate safely, reliably, efficiently and economically
- Continue to improve our customer experience
- Provide the products and services that our customers want
- Integrate the new products and services that we will release in 2012 with excellence
We have a passion for supporting our clients by delivering the best Customer Service and technologies on a daily basis. We will accomplish several initiatives this year that will improve the Customer Experience, help our client’s save money, increase remediation effectiveness and achieve site closure.
These are just some of the highlights. John, Aaron, and I are very excited about the year ahead. From all of us at Tersus Environmental and inVentures Technologies, we wish you peace, happiness and prosperity. Happy New Year!
Gary
Olympic Environmental Equipment Joins Tersus Environmental as Sales and Marketing Business Partner
Seattle, WA, December 1, 2011 — Indianola, Washington based Olympic Environmental Equipment will expand its groundwater remediation product line for enhance bioremediation.
The expanded product line includes Tersus’ complete family of electron donors for enhanced anerobic bioremediation, peroxygens (TersOx), and the MicroBlower, a passive soil vapor extraction technology patented by the DOE’s Savannah River National Laboratory as well as iSOC, HiSOC and gPRO from inVentures which Tersus is the exclusive worldwide representative for.
Olympic Environmental Equipment, led by Rose Riedel, will help support Tersus Environmental’s continued commitment to providing outstanding customer service and assistance, helping to ensure superior remediation outcomes.
“We are excited to expand our product line to include the Tersus family of soil and groundwater remediation technologies into Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington,” Riedel said. “The Tersus technologies are a perfect addition to our existing lines of environmental sampling, remediation and treatment products.”
“We are very excited to have Olympic Environmental Equipment lead our customer support and business development in the Pacific Northwest region”, said Gary Birk, Managing Partner of Tersus Environmental. “Their unique combination of knowledge, application expertise, training skills and sales experience will make Olympic Environmental Equipment an invaluable member of our team as we pursue our goal to provide the best biotechnology-based solutions to effectively manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities; reducing costs for site closure; and improving customer service.”
About Olympic Environmental Equipment
Olympic Environmental Equipment represents the leading manufacturers of environmental sampling, remediation and treatment products for the Pacific Northwest region of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. They provide sales and marketing services for the world class iSOC® Gas inFusion technology by inVentures Technologies. Olympic Environmental Equipment earns customer loyalty by making it easy for clients to achieve their goals. Ms. Riedel has been an independent representative for remediation equipment manufacturers for more than 13 years.
Contact
Rose Riedel
Director
Olympic Environmental Equipment llc.
Tel 360.297.5409 ▪ Cell 360.271.8842
Email Rose@olympicenv.com
www.OlympicEnv.com
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To all our Clients, Colleagues, Friends, and Business Partners,
Happy Thanksgiving from inVentures / Tersus! We want to take this opportunity to let you know how much your relationship means to us. Among the many things we give thanks for are loyal friends, colleagues, clients and business partners like you that contributed to our success in 2011. We hope Thanksgiving finds you enjoying all the bounty and blessings of the Season.
Best wishes,
Gary, Aaron, & John
Tersus Environmental will be closed for Thanksgiving on
Thursday, November 24th and November 25th.
Tallahassee, Florida based Performance Technologies LLC will expand its groundwater remediation product line expand its groundwater remediation product line for enhanced bioremediation.
The expanded product line includes Tersus’ complete family of electron donors for enhanced anerobic bioremediation, peroxygens (TersOx), and the MicroBlower, a passive soil vapor extraction technology patented by the DOE’s Savannah River National Laboratory as well as iSOC, HiSOC and gPRO from inVentures which Tersus is the exclusive worldwide representative for.
Performance Technologies LLC, led by Don Ray, will help support Tersus Environmental’s continued commitment to providing outstanding customer service and assistance, helping to ensure superior remediation outcomes.
“We are excited to expand our product line to include the Tersus family of soil and groundwater remediation technologies into Florida, Alabama and Georgia,” Ray said. “The Tersus technologies are a perfect addition to Gas inFusion technologies for enhanced bioremediation.”
“We are looking forward to having Performance Technologies lead our customer technical support and business development in the southeastern U.S.”, said Gary Birk, Managing Partner of Tersus Environmental. “Their unique combination of knowledge, application expertise, training skills and sales experience will make Performance Technologies an invaluable member of our team as we pursue our goal to provide the best biotechnology-based solutions to effectively manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities; reducing costs for site closure; and improving customer service.”
Performance Technologies LLC provides technical support for various groundwater remediation technologies for sites impacted with petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, oxidized heavy metals, and energetics. Mr. Ray has been an independent representative for remediation equipment manufacturers for more than 10 years.
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