Annually, 2.7 million liters of oil are spilled into the seas, contaminating water and causing lasting damage to ecosystems. The open seas are paramount for sustaining human life, from feeding us to regulating our climates. As the world faces rising setbacks in managing environmental pollution, particularly petroleum contamination, innovative solutions are needed to restore our ecosystems effectively and sustainably. 

When an oil spill occurs, liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, usually into the ocean, impacting wildlife and their habitats. Traditional remediation methods often take considerable time and resources to achieve the desired results. 

However, with advancements in biotechnology, petroleum treatment bacteria (PTBac) can accelerate the natural process of biodegradation. It is a highly efficient solution that enhances the breakdown of petroleum contaminants and reduces the overall environmental impact.

What Is Petroleum Treatment Bacteria (PTBac)?

Petroleum Treatment Bacteria (PTBac) is engineered to accelerate the natural degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation processes. This reduces the time, resources, and costs typically required for traditional remediation methods, making PTBac a faster, more efficient solution for petroleum spill cleanup.

Engineered Bacteria to Enhance Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons?

Petroleum Treatment Bacteria (PTBac) has a significant role in accelerating the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated environments. By introducing a blend of specialized hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, PTBac boosts the natural biodegradation process in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

This leads to faster breakdown of harmful contaminants, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional cleanup methods. Whether used in soil, groundwater, or surface water, PTBac enhances environmental recovery, helping to restore ecosystems more efficiently while minimizing the long-term impact of petroleum pollution on the planet's health.

How PTBac Compares to Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria?

Petroleum Treatment Bacteria(PTBac) and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria are both used to treat petroleum-contaminated environments. However, both differ in their applications and how they live in the environment.

Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria:

These are natural microorganisms that break down oil and other petroleum products into simpler, harmless substances. Petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria "feed" on hydrocarbons found in oil, turning them into water and carbon dioxide.

Petroleum Treatment Bacteria:

Petroleum treatment bacteria are specially designed or enhanced bacteria used in industrial settings to break down oil and petroleum waste. They are often used in treatments for oil-contaminated soil, water, or industrial equipment. These bacteria are specifically engineered for more efficient oil breakdown in controlled environments.




Versatile Applications of PTBac

Petroleum Treatment Bacteria (PTBac) is highly effective in various bioremediation techniques, accelerating the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated environments. It is utilized in soil mixing during excavation and backfill, direct push injection into groundwater, and both in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation.

PTBac works seamlessly with mechanical methods such as reactive barriers for off-site plume control, soil biopiles(converting contaminants into less toxic), and land farming. It is crucial in crude oil spill cleanup and LNAPL (Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids) remediation, often in combination with PTS Advanced surfactant-enhanced remediation. Additionally, PTBac works efficiently with PTS electron acceptors, enhancing biodegradation rates and promoting faster environmental recovery.

Maximizing Cleanup Efficiency with PTBac in Petroleum Spill Remediation

PTBac was specifically developed to enhance the natural biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by supporting and accelerating the growth of native bacteria in contaminated soil and groundwater. Often used alongside mechanical remediation methods like SVE and Air Sparge, PTBac aids in oxygen delivery to bacteria, enhancing their biodegradation abilities.

For in-situ applications, especially with older contaminant releases, PTBac requires the added nutrients from PTS to boost degradation rates and speed up cleanup. Additionally, PTBac works effectively in surface oil spills on land, rivers, or oceans, helping to break down petroleum products safely and sustainably while promoting environmental restoration.

To further optimize the efficiency of petroleum remediation, bioaugmentation with PTBac can be combined with advanced techniques and technologies.




Benefits of Bioaugmentation in Petroleum Remediation

Rapidly Improves Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Bioaugmentation accelerates the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons by introducing microorganisms that speed up the cleanup process.

Supplements Native Bacteria and Accelerates Bacteria Colony Proliferation

Bioaugmentation enhances the growth of native bacteria, speeding up bacterial proliferation for more efficient petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation.

Targets Petroleum Hydrocarbon Biodegradation

Bioaugmentation introduces microorganisms with enzymes that specifically target and degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, optimizing the remediation of contaminated sites.

Economical Solution Compared to Other Available Products

Bioaugmentation is a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods, requiring fewer resources while delivering effective results.