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Since 2013, our company has been engaged in the production, continuous development and field application of aerobic and anaerobic bioaugmentation agents suitable for the microbiological remediation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon contamination and their halogenated derivatives. Our team has the expertise and appropriate equipments to isolate and enrich hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and microbial communities under laboratory conditions and then, by scaling up the fermentation process, to produce the appropriate amount of inoculant selected for the area.
Our Company currently has three registered, universally applicable microbial agents Ferm&Go 2PT, Ferm&Go 3P (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) and Ferm&Go 1V (short-chain chlorinated hydrocarbons). All three of our microbial bioaugmentation agents can be adapted to the specific contaminated area, and site-specific microbial inocula can be developed on request.
Since 2013, our company has been engaged in the production, continuous development and field application of aerobic and anaerobic bioaugmentation agents suitable for the microbiological remediation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon contamination and their halogenated derivatives. Our team has the expertise and appropriate equipments to isolate and enrich hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and microbial communities under laboratory conditions and then, by scaling up the fermentation process, to produce the appropriate amount of inoculant selected for the area.
Our Company currently has three registered, universally applicable microbial agents Ferm&Go 2PT, Ferm&Go 3P (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) and Ferm&Go 1V (short-chain chlorinated hydrocarbons). All three of our microbial bioaugmentation agents can be adapted to the specific contaminated area, and site-specific microbial inocula can be developed on request.
Brief overview of the microbiological treatment of contamination by various hydrocarbons
The increasing industrial, agricultural and military activities with the application of various chemical products has caused serious environmental damages in our country and all over the world to these days. Due to irregular and uncontrolled treatment and improper storage, the well-known crude oil pollution, as well as the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their halogenated derivatives penetrated to soils and groundwater causing serious environmental and public health damage, endangering drinking water sources. The remediation of these highly toxic compounds is of utmost importance, since 70% of drinking water in Hungary originates from underground sources. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (e.g., anthracene, phenanthrene, benzopyrene) occurring in flue gases, in the vicinity of oil refineries, oil pipelines, or during forest burning are characterized by low degradability and resistance, which contributes their significant environmental pollution potential. Among the halogenated hydrocarbons the short-chain aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons (perchloroethene, trichloroethene, dichloroethenes, vinyl-chloride, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane and chloromethane etc.) are on of the most common groundwater pollutants.
Microorganisms have diverse metabolic potential to degrade naturally occurring organic compounds, including certain anthropogenic contaminants. The microbial activity is significantly influenced by the properties of soil, the physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater and, last but not least, the type of pollution. The ability to degrade aliphatic, aromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons are widespread among the microorganisms, which is characteristic of various groups of bacteria and fungi such as the members of genera Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, Arthrobacter, Micrococcus, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Flavobacterium, Candida, Rhodotorula és Sporobolomyces. It should be noted that none of the microorganisms capable to degrade the entire spectrum of these various chemical compounds, thus the complex contamination containing petroleum, PAH, BTEX and their composites, which only can be completely degraded by diverse microbial communities characterized with different enzymes playing a role in hydrocarbon degradation.
Short-chain chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (perchloroethene, trichloroethene, dichloroethenes, vinyl-chloride) can be reduced by the member of genus Dehalococcoides as the only group of microorganisms capable of the complete dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes to non-toxic ethene under anaerobic conditions. The presence of these microorganisms is essential for a complete reductive dechlorination process including biological remediation. Microbial communities capable of reductive dechlorination contribute significantly to reducing and eliminating chlorinated ethene contamination through natural attenuation and bioaugmentation.
The increasing industrial, agricultural and military activities with the application of various chemical products has caused serious environmental damages in our country and all over the world to these days. Due to irregular and uncontrolled treatment and improper storage, the well-known crude oil pollution, as well as the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their halogenated derivatives penetrated to soils and groundwater causing serious environmental and public health damage, endangering drinking water sources. The remediation of these highly toxic compounds is of utmost importance, since 70% of drinking water in Hungary originates from underground sources. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (e.g., anthracene, phenanthrene, benzopyrene) occurring in flue gases, in the vicinity of oil refineries, oil pipelines, or during forest burning are characterized by low degradability and resistance, which contributes their significant environmental pollution potential. Among the halogenated hydrocarbons the short-chain aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons (perchloroethene, trichloroethene, dichloroethenes, vinyl-chloride, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane and chloromethane etc.) are on of the most common groundwater pollutants.
Microorganisms have diverse metabolic potential to degrade naturally occurring organic compounds, including certain anthropogenic contaminants. The microbial activity is significantly influenced by the properties of soil, the physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater and, last but not least, the type of pollution. The ability to degrade aliphatic, aromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons are widespread among the microorganisms, which is characteristic of various groups of bacteria and fungi such as the members of genera Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, Arthrobacter, Micrococcus, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Flavobacterium, Candida, Rhodotorula és Sporobolomyces. It should be noted that none of the microorganisms capable to degrade the entire spectrum of these various chemical compounds, thus the complex contamination containing petroleum, PAH, BTEX and their composites, which only can be completely degraded by diverse microbial communities characterized with different enzymes playing a role in hydrocarbon degradation.
Short-chain chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (perchloroethene, trichloroethene, dichloroethenes, vinyl-chloride) can be reduced by the member of genus Dehalococcoides as the only group of microorganisms capable of the complete dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes to non-toxic ethene under anaerobic conditions. The presence of these microorganisms is essential for a complete reductive dechlorination process including biological remediation. Microbial communities capable of reductive dechlorination contribute significantly to reducing and eliminating chlorinated ethene contamination through natural attenuation and bioaugmentation.
Bioremediation technologies
Even in the presence of the microorganisms involved, the natural (not stimulated) biodegradation of contaminants released into the environment can be a very slow process, taking decades or even centuries. In situ biodegradation, i.e., bioremediation, is one of the most effective ways to eliminate hydrocarbon contamination, either by stimulating the microbial community present (biostimulation) or by using inoculants containing microorganisms capable of degrading the contaminant (bioaugmentation). The activity of both autochthonous and allochthonous microorganisms is significantly determined and influenced by the physical and chemical parameters of the soil and groundwater in the area and, last but not least, by the type of contamination.
During biostimulation, the degradation process of pollutants can be accelerated in the presence of autochthonous microbial communities capable of degradation, by optimising environmental conditions (e.g., dissolved oxygen content, pH, etc.) and by applying different nutrient sources (electron donors, electron acceptors, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon sources, etc.) that are essential and/or limiting for microorganisms.
If the autochthonous microorganism population in the area is not able to effectively degrade the contaminant or if they are not present in the area, then the application/addition of microorganisms from external sources (allochthonous), i.e., bioaugmentation, becomes necessary. Bioaugmentation process contributes to an increase in the quantity and cell count values of the microorganisms involved in the degradation process and reduces the time needed for the pollutant to degrade.
Even in the presence of the microorganisms involved, the natural (not stimulated) biodegradation of contaminants released into the environment can be a very slow process, taking decades or even centuries. In situ biodegradation, i.e., bioremediation, is one of the most effective ways to eliminate hydrocarbon contamination, either by stimulating the microbial community present (biostimulation) or by using inoculants containing microorganisms capable of degrading the contaminant (bioaugmentation). The activity of both autochthonous and allochthonous microorganisms is significantly determined and influenced by the physical and chemical parameters of the soil and groundwater in the area and, last but not least, by the type of contamination.
During biostimulation, the degradation process of pollutants can be accelerated in the presence of autochthonous microbial communities capable of degradation, by optimising environmental conditions (e.g., dissolved oxygen content, pH, etc.) and by applying different nutrient sources (electron donors, electron acceptors, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon sources, etc.) that are essential and/or limiting for microorganisms.
If the autochthonous microorganism population in the area is not able to effectively degrade the contaminant or if they are not present in the area, then the application/addition of microorganisms from external sources (allochthonous), i.e., bioaugmentation, becomes necessary. Bioaugmentation process contributes to an increase in the quantity and cell count values of the microorganisms involved in the degradation process and reduces the time needed for the pollutant to degrade.
Services provided by our company
1. Professional support for bioaugmentation
Our company provides extensive professional support to remediation companies and specialists in the planning of the proper application of the bioaugmentation process applicable to the contaminated area. If necessary, we can also assist in the assessment of in-situ microbiological remediation options at the planning stage. The selection of the most suitable bioremediation technology and bioaugmentation agents is greatly facilitated by the comprehensive (physical, chemical, microbiological) investigation of contaminated soils and groundwater based on polyphasic methods, thus ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness.
Based on the conditions of the contaminated area, we can recommend the appropriate bioaugmentation agent from our Ferm&Go product line and it's most suitable application, including the optimisation of its quantity and its adaptation to the field conditions. In addition, the selection and optimisation of suitable organic substrates, electron donors and electron acceptors for the biostimulation process can be managed if required. Our team also provides assistance in field application of our bioaugmentation agents.
To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ferm&Go product line, the microbial activity occurring under field conditions is monitored at regular intervals using molecular biology methods, allowing for rapid and precise intervention and further optimisation of the amount and dosage of biostimulants and/or bioaugmentation agents.
On request, we can provide support throughout the remediation project, including the selection and quantitative optimisation of appropriate bioaugmentation and biostimulation agents, their field application and microbial monitoring, as well as comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the data received (physical, chemical, microbiological).
The main objective of our team is to provide a unique approach to bioremediation and professional advice to remediation companies and specialists using our Ferm&Go product line, thereby effectively eliminating pollutants from our environment through bioremediation.
Our company provides extensive professional support to remediation companies and specialists in the planning of the proper application of the bioaugmentation process applicable to the contaminated area. If necessary, we can also assist in the assessment of in-situ microbiological remediation options at the planning stage. The selection of the most suitable bioremediation technology and bioaugmentation agents is greatly facilitated by the comprehensive (physical, chemical, microbiological) investigation of contaminated soils and groundwater based on polyphasic methods, thus ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness.
Based on the conditions of the contaminated area, we can recommend the appropriate bioaugmentation agent from our Ferm&Go product line and it's most suitable application, including the optimisation of its quantity and its adaptation to the field conditions. In addition, the selection and optimisation of suitable organic substrates, electron donors and electron acceptors for the biostimulation process can be managed if required. Our team also provides assistance in field application of our bioaugmentation agents.
To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ferm&Go product line, the microbial activity occurring under field conditions is monitored at regular intervals using molecular biology methods, allowing for rapid and precise intervention and further optimisation of the amount and dosage of biostimulants and/or bioaugmentation agents.
On request, we can provide support throughout the remediation project, including the selection and quantitative optimisation of appropriate bioaugmentation and biostimulation agents, their field application and microbial monitoring, as well as comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the data received (physical, chemical, microbiological).
The main objective of our team is to provide a unique approach to bioremediation and professional advice to remediation companies and specialists using our Ferm&Go product line, thereby effectively eliminating pollutants from our environment through bioremediation.
2. Microbiological methods
Applying microbiological methods, the autochthonous microbial communities and their metabolisms as well as the degradation conditions of various compounds in contaminated fields can be determined. The members of the microbial communities and their quantity originated from Ferm&Go product line can be monitored in soil and groundwater.
By applying microbial methods (detection, identification and quantification of contaminant-degrading microorganisms and genes involved in degradation), the autochthonous microbial community characterised with degradation potential of the field contaminant (e.g.: aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons and their halogenated derivatives) can be determined, so that the presence or absence of contaminant-degrading microorganisms influences the application and quantity of biostimulation and bioaugmentation agents. Chemical measurements (e.g. gas chromatography) can be used to determine actual field contaminant profiles and concentrations. The parameters affecting microbial activity (available electron donors and acceptors) are assessed by measuring the physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater.
In the case of microbiological methods, polyphasic analyses are carried out using cultivation-based and molecular biological methods to monitor the effect of the bioaugmentation process. The autochthonous hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community of the field is isolated and enriched using cultivation-based microbiological methods. The hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms are identified based on the gene 16S rRNA. After selective enrichment, the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms can be returned to their field of origin, contributing to increased microbial cell counts and more effective contaminant degradation. The potential of the autochthonous microorganisms and/or microbial communities to degrade the contaminants can be investigated using microcosm experiments. The compatibility of the autochthonous microorganisms from the contaminated site with the Ferm&Go product line can be investigated, including the identification of possible inhibitory factors. The effect of available organic and inorganic substrates, electron acceptors (oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, sulphate) on both degradation rate (gas chromatography) and microbial community composition (culture-independent molecular biology methods - see below) can be investigated.
Cultivation-independent molecular biology methods are used to monitor the presence or absence of the microorganisms and their releated genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation, and to quantify the microorganisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) method is applied to identify the microbial community members present in contaminated soils and/or microcosms, moreover the presence or absence of microorganisms not directly involved in degrading the hydrocarbons, but which support the metabolism of the microbes involved in degrading the hydrocarbons, can also be detected. More efficient remediation can be achieved by stimulating the microbes directly and indirectly involved in decomposition.
Applying microbiological methods, the autochthonous microbial communities and their metabolisms as well as the degradation conditions of various compounds in contaminated fields can be determined. The members of the microbial communities and their quantity originated from Ferm&Go product line can be monitored in soil and groundwater.
By applying microbial methods (detection, identification and quantification of contaminant-degrading microorganisms and genes involved in degradation), the autochthonous microbial community characterised with degradation potential of the field contaminant (e.g.: aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons and their halogenated derivatives) can be determined, so that the presence or absence of contaminant-degrading microorganisms influences the application and quantity of biostimulation and bioaugmentation agents. Chemical measurements (e.g. gas chromatography) can be used to determine actual field contaminant profiles and concentrations. The parameters affecting microbial activity (available electron donors and acceptors) are assessed by measuring the physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater.
In the case of microbiological methods, polyphasic analyses are carried out using cultivation-based and molecular biological methods to monitor the effect of the bioaugmentation process. The autochthonous hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community of the field is isolated and enriched using cultivation-based microbiological methods. The hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms are identified based on the gene 16S rRNA. After selective enrichment, the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms can be returned to their field of origin, contributing to increased microbial cell counts and more effective contaminant degradation. The potential of the autochthonous microorganisms and/or microbial communities to degrade the contaminants can be investigated using microcosm experiments. The compatibility of the autochthonous microorganisms from the contaminated site with the Ferm&Go product line can be investigated, including the identification of possible inhibitory factors. The effect of available organic and inorganic substrates, electron acceptors (oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, sulphate) on both degradation rate (gas chromatography) and microbial community composition (culture-independent molecular biology methods - see below) can be investigated.
Cultivation-independent molecular biology methods are used to monitor the presence or absence of the microorganisms and their releated genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation, and to quantify the microorganisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) method is applied to identify the microbial community members present in contaminated soils and/or microcosms, moreover the presence or absence of microorganisms not directly involved in degrading the hydrocarbons, but which support the metabolism of the microbes involved in degrading the hydrocarbons, can also be detected. More efficient remediation can be achieved by stimulating the microbes directly and indirectly involved in decomposition.
3.) Bioaugmentation inoculum development
Before and after the field-testing of the microbial inocula, the degradation potential and the compatibility with the microbial communities of the Ferm&Go products of the autochthonous microbial community can be monitored by comprehensive laboratory examination (physical, chemical, microbiological). Bench-scale modelled field conditions (microcosm experiments) are provided to monitor the changes in physical, chemical and microbiological parameters and their interactions. The comprehensive examination allows optimisation of the effectiveness of the microbial inocula under field conditions.
Based on the results of the comprehensive field (physical, chemical, microbiological) and bench-scale (microcosm experiments) testing, if the degradation of the contaminants is limited or inhibited, our company recommend the development of site-specific microbial bioaugmentation agents. The development of site-specific microbial inoculants is based on the autochthonous microbial community of the area, adapted to the contaminant and environmental parameters. Thus, in the development of inoculants, it is essential to assess the "baseline" microbiological status of the area and to maintain (laboratory) autochthonous microbial communities with the potential to degrade contaminants.
Polyphasic (physical, chemical, microbiological) methods are applied to ensure high product quality of the developed site-specific microbial inocula by continuously monitoring contaminant degradation and changes in microbial community composition. The development process involves adapting the microbial communities to the appropriate concentrations of the contaminant(s), followed by scale-up to produce the required amount of inoculant. The development and production of a site-specific inoculant, while time and labour intensive, provides an opportunity for safe and effective remediation.
Compared to biostimulation, the application of an inoculant enriched with an optimised fermentation process and then applied with appropriate substrates (nutrients, electron-donors and acceptors) significantly shortens the total time required for the complete remediation.
Before and after the field-testing of the microbial inocula, the degradation potential and the compatibility with the microbial communities of the Ferm&Go products of the autochthonous microbial community can be monitored by comprehensive laboratory examination (physical, chemical, microbiological). Bench-scale modelled field conditions (microcosm experiments) are provided to monitor the changes in physical, chemical and microbiological parameters and their interactions. The comprehensive examination allows optimisation of the effectiveness of the microbial inocula under field conditions.
Based on the results of the comprehensive field (physical, chemical, microbiological) and bench-scale (microcosm experiments) testing, if the degradation of the contaminants is limited or inhibited, our company recommend the development of site-specific microbial bioaugmentation agents. The development of site-specific microbial inoculants is based on the autochthonous microbial community of the area, adapted to the contaminant and environmental parameters. Thus, in the development of inoculants, it is essential to assess the "baseline" microbiological status of the area and to maintain (laboratory) autochthonous microbial communities with the potential to degrade contaminants.
Polyphasic (physical, chemical, microbiological) methods are applied to ensure high product quality of the developed site-specific microbial inocula by continuously monitoring contaminant degradation and changes in microbial community composition. The development process involves adapting the microbial communities to the appropriate concentrations of the contaminant(s), followed by scale-up to produce the required amount of inoculant. The development and production of a site-specific inoculant, while time and labour intensive, provides an opportunity for safe and effective remediation.
Compared to biostimulation, the application of an inoculant enriched with an optimised fermentation process and then applied with appropriate substrates (nutrients, electron-donors and acceptors) significantly shortens the total time required for the complete remediation.