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The biotechnology that RamSorb embraces is
unique in that it processes an agricultural waste stream (a by-product of
cotton processing) that carries an indigenous, naturally-occurring bacteria
within it's cellulose structure. The waste product is processed to
render it suitable for packaging as an absorbent to surround and then, in most
cases, remediate petroleum hydrocarbon and hazardous waste spills.
The process that has been perfected is
that of understanding, providing, and controlling an artificial environment in
which beneficial bacteria can thrive within the absorbent material.
These beneficial bacteria grow natively with and naturally attach
to certain cellulose and agricultural waste products, such as cottonseed
lint. When the agricultural product is processed, the bacteria
remain with the seed or hull of the product. Under special
conditions, the bacteria can be nurtured and provided with enhanced growth
conditions that not only keep them alive but allow them to propagate.
By using a waste agricultural product as the media to grow the
bacteria, RamSorb has incorporated two proven environmental cleanup products
(absorbents and bacteria) into one very powerful product line:
biologically active absorbents.
RamSorb is therefore a chemically modified
cellulosic fiber containing all the necessary ingredients, (nitrogen, sulfur,
phosphorus), to enhance the native bacteria it contains along with indigenous
bacteria in soil for biodegradation of hydrocarbons. When activated
by the addition of moisture, these bacteria have an ideal condition within
which to reproduce and rapidly accumulate to the available hydrocarbon food
source.
The strong wicking action of RamSorb 1
acts as a physical emulsifier by actually extracting hydrocarbons from less
absorptive material. It encapsulates the fine droplets until the
available hydrocarbons are consumed as food for the active bacteria.
Application of RamSorb 1 is relatively
simple. RamSorb is applied by blending the dry absorbent with the
contaminated soil as effectively and efficiently as possible. Once
the hydrocarbon contacts the RamSorb, it is completely encapsulated (up to the
saturation level) and cannot be extracted by naturally occurring contact with
water. Even when wet, RamSorb will actually give up water to take
on hydrocarbons. This extraordinary characteristic separates
RamSorb from all other absorbents and allows the exceptional bacterial
remediation to occur.
When furnished with a proper atmosphere
for growth, bacteria will multiply rapidly. Therefore, small
quantities of bacteria will perform the task of bioremediation over time if
properly fed nutrients, oxygen, and moisture. The most challenging
job is to properly disperse the bacteria throughout the contaminated soil to
achieve a homogeneous mixture. In other bacterial technologies,
after the hydrocarbons have been broken down into droplets, containment of the
hydrocarbon can pose a significant problem. This problem is
overcome with the application of RamSorb.
In remediation, no two situations are
identical, making it very difficult to formulate recipe-type instructions for
all cases; however, a few standardized steps should be taken that
will assure better than average success. If this procedure is
followed, a minimum degradation of 40% should be achieved every 30
days. In optimal conditions, we have achieved as much as 80%
reduction in 30 days.
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1) Ph of soil to be
remediated should be buffered to a ph level of not less than 6.0 and no higher
than 8.5 for optimum bacterial growth. |
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2) Excessive levels of
some heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, fungicides, and pesticides will slow
bacterial growth. |
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3) For liquid
remediation, completely absorb the liquid in RamSorb until dry to touch.
Add water to completely saturate the bed, even to the point of
flooding. Frequent wetting is desirable as long as the bed does not
stand flooded for long periods. Since liquids represent the highest
level of hydrocarbons to be remediated, it may be necessary to add additional
nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) if the rate of degradation levels
out. Normally it will be as simple as adding additional RamSorb,
tilling the soil thoroughly for oxygen replenishment, and continuing to keep
damp with frequent watering. |
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4) For low level soil
contamination, (below 20,000 ppm), we recommend effective tilling with a
minimum of one bag of RamSorb per cubic yard of soil. You could use
lesser amounts for satisfactory results but homogenous blending to assure
maximum contact with available bacteria is more easily achieved with adequate
material. You may want to dampen the soil during the tilling
procedure to reduce dusting and promote migration of hydrocarbon particles into
the absorbent. |
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After tilling is completed, thoroughly
wet the area down even to the point of flooding, especially if left uncovered,
which is preferred. Be more careful about flooding if area is to be
kept covered. |
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Retain a moisture level no less than 30%.
No further aeration should be necessary for at least 60 days and
only if degradation stalls. |
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Temperatures about 120º F for
extended periods will slow the degradation process and temperatures below
40º F will slow bacterial growth. However, the absorbent will
maintain its encapsulation characteristic preventing hydrocarbon leeching until
the bacteria are again active. RamSorb will not biodegrade itself
before all absorbed hydrocarbons have been degraded, thus eliminating any
hydrocarbon leeching. |
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5) For high levels of
soil contamination, (up to 450,000 ppm), we would recommend an amount of
RamSorb absorbent equal to one half the calculated amount of hydrocarbons to be
remediated. |
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For example, an extreme case of 450,000
ppm is approximately 45% hydrocarbon or .45 x 2700 lbs. = 1215 lbs. per cubic
yard. 600 pounds of RamSorb per cubic yard would provide the
encapsulation necessary to contain the contaminant without leeching while
providing enough nutrients to achieve maximum degradation with minimum
aeration. |
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At 40,000 ppm, the hydrocarbon content
would be approximately 108 pounds per cubic yard and require approximately 50
pounds of absorbent for optimum performance. |
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We have found it very difficult in the
field to judge the hydrocarbon content without frequent testing and
time-consuming procedures. With RamSorb, this is not necessary as
visual observation is adequate to assure proper application. Simply
add absorbent to heavily concentrated areas until the soil is dry to touch or
takes on the appearance of normal soil in the area. If the soil
still appears tacky after homogenous blending, simply add more RamSorb.
After tilling is complete, wet down the
area completely and maintain at least a 30% moisture level throughout the
remediation period. Frequent wetting is desirable as it helps
migrate the hydrocarbons from the contaminated soil into the RamSorb where it
is encapsulated and consequently digested.
If degradation levels off by TPH testing,
simply till the soil thoroughly with more RamSorb and continue to keep damp
with frequent watering. |