Archaea, 90 Billion Clay, 25lb. Bag Part #5254
Frequently Asked Questions
Bioremediation refers to any method that uses microorganisms to break down organic materials.
Archaea are microorganisms that have been collected from natural water and soil sources around the world. They are selected for their particular affinity for consuming hydrocarbon-based pollutants and organic material and are cultivated in a way that maximized the speed at which they consume these pollutants.
Archaea will digest hydrocarbon molecules and break them down into harmless byproducts of water, carbon dioxide and lipids (a natural, soluble fatty material that is food for fish and plants). The more complex the hydrocarbon, the longer this process may take (for example, kerosene and diesel will be consumed more quickly than motor oil). This naturally occurring process is supercharged by adding these specific microbes to any oil spill or contaminated area (see list of known applications in the table below). It infuses as many as 5 billion microbes per gram into an oil spill, greasy catch basin, oil/water separator, etc. and within hours these microbes have reproduced from billions per gram to trillions. With water, oxygen and an organic food source (such as oil) these microbes will form vast colonies and digest and remediate oil on land and on water, as well as grease traps, septic tanks, storm drains and almost any other area where contaminants are present.
After approximately ninety days or when the microbes have been deprived of water, oxygen, or a food source, the microbe colony will begin to naturally die off, allowing the indigenous microbes to return to pre-contamination levels.
The Archaea are shipped dormant in a bentonite-clay-based carrier. When the carrier dissolves in water, the microbes become activated and water may become temporarily murky due to the infusion of the clay. This is to be expected.
Archaea only need what most forms of life need: oxygen, water, food (hydrocarbon or organic material) and an acceptable temperature (32° – 120°F.) and pH (5.5 – 10.0).
- Completely natural, so they are a “green” solution. Can eliminate the need for absorbent products & their disposal problems/costs.
- Can be used to clean up oil spills on water, in soil, or on hard surfaces and can even be used to remove old stains in asphalt or concrete.
- A very small volume of microbes is needed compared to the area being treated.
The Archaea microbes will either die, return to former natural concentration levels, or be eaten by other organisms. The microbes have an effective lifespan of approximately three months. Once Archaea microbes have died off, indigenous microbes will return to pre-contamination levels.
Carbon dioxide, water, trace carbon, and lipids (white fatty acids). The lipids are actually a source of food for larger organisms and vegetative life.
The Archaea begin working immediately, once activated by saltwater or freshwater and a food source. Remediation times vary from several hours to several weeks depending on the type and concentration of the hydrocarbon or organic food source. For example, light fuels floating on water will be gone within a few hours. Heavy crude oil in soil will require several months.
Yes, Archaea have a 5-year shelf life. Once the Archaea are activated, the microbes will continue to work for up to three months before they begin to die off and another dose needs to be applied.
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