Delta Remediation

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Bioremediation is defined as; the use of either naturally occurring or deliberately introduced microorganisms or other forms of life, additives and nutrients to consume and break down environmental pollutants, in order to clean up a hydrocarbon contaminated site.
DELTA Remediation uses specifically chosen, naturally occurring bacteria that have been cultured to achieve plate counts of trillions of microbes per gram, and then deliberately introduces the microbes into contamination plumes using various advanced systems and processes.

DELTA Remediation is a dynamic team of individuals passionate about preserving natural ecosystems, while at the same time creating value through innovative approaches to remediation. Delta’s leadership team encompasses biologists, chemists, engineers, project managers, and business development personnel, as well as skilled operators and labourers who undertake field work.

DELTA Remediation’s bioremediation process involves the introduction of natural microbial cultures. Treating soils and water in place using natural processes minimizes energy inputs resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint relative to many other remediation methods.
Additionally, if contaminated soil or water is taken to a disposal facility, instead of treating it onsite, it is removed from the planet’s ecosystem. Treating soil and water in place is cost effective, has a reduced carbon footprint, eliminates liabilities, and keeps resources in a productive state. At DELTA Remediation, we provide sustainable solutions.

DELTA Remediation is specialized in both In-Situ and Ex-Situ applications of its microbial products that are coupled with dynamic surfactants and other beneficial amendments when required.
In Situ:
High-pressure broadcasting
High-pressure injection
Low-pressure injection
Drill and saturate
Hydraulic fracturing
Processing in holding tanks
Ex Situ:
On-site soil mixing
Soil Remediation Machine processing
Soil Treatment Facilities

DELTA uses live, naturally occurring bacteria, so temperature is an important factor to consider. Essentially the warmer the microbes are the more active they are, and the faster they will metabolize the contaminants. Through research and development, we have determined that the microbes activity level significantly decreases at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. For these reasons, Spring and Summer are ideal for applying bioremediation technologies in temperate climates.
DELTA has completed applications in sub-zero temperatures, however in these cases, significant degradation really begins to happen once temperatures rise and the microbes activity level increases.

Based in Edmonton Alberta, Delta Remediation is strategically located to support both downstream and upstream Oil and Gas industries. With representatives outside of Alberta, Delta is able to provide its specialized equipment and manpower across Western Canada. For projects outside of Western Canada, Delta typically works with local contractors to keep projects cost effective.

The naturally occurring microbes that Delta uses undergo a stringent quality control program, are not genetically modified, have been DNA tested and are pathogen free. For these reasons, the microbes are totally safe for humans to work with.

Delta uses specific strains of microbes that have an affinity for hydrocarbons. Once the hydrocarbon energy source is consumed, the introduced microbes die off until the site returns to its natural state. There is absolutely no negative effect to plants, animals, or the environment.

Delta uses naturally occurring microbes from the Pseudomonas genus. The microbes were extracted from a once-contaminated site and have been well-studied and understood for decades. Specific strains of Pseudomonas microbes have been chosen because they reproduce rapidly, have an affinity for hydrocarbons, and cause no harm to plants, animals, or people.

The only byproduct produced from the degradation of hydrocarbons during the process is water and a minute amount of carbon dioxide.

This is site specific. Factors such as weather, soil conditions, waste types, other contaminants and application concentration all play a role in how long the process takes. Once the Delta team reviews your specific site, a reasonable estimate on expected results and timelines can be provided.

The microbes are microscopic, so you cannot see them, but on ex-situ projects you can see how the surfactants break down soil tension in the treated bio-piles. In water applications, field technicians often observe “biofilm” which is created by microbial cell mass from rapid reproduction and degradation of contaminants.

You can expect to see the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) levels fall to well below criteria, and in most cases a total degradation to non-detect TPH levels.

Our process is different from others in the following three ways:
1) We introduce specific strains of naturally occurring microbes that are proven to completely degrade even the longest chain hydrocarbon.
2) We use specially formulated, bio-friendly, surfactants that enable our microbes to reach even the most difficult pockets of contamination.
3) We use specially designed equipment to ensure consistent and effective application.
The combination of these things enables us to confidently take on any project that is an appropriate candidate for Delta’s bio technology.

The Microbes that Delta uses were designed to thrive within a PH range of 5 to10. The R&D team recently bench tested the microbes in a low PH peat material (PH of 3.85) and after 14 days saw reductions ranging from 35%- 90%.

Delta’s technology is not affected by most metals found in contaminated sites, but the microbes do not have the ability to degrade metal contamination. Extremely high levels of arsenic can be toxic to the microbes.

Delta’s technology works well in high salt environments, but the microbes cannot degrade salts. The microbes have been tested, and can survive in 5% salinity. Seawater has a salinity concentration of approximately 3%, and Delta’s system has been used to treat contaminated seawater.

In order to keep the highest level of quality control, Delta does require analytical data to ensure that the site is a good candidate for Bioremediation. Typically, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is reviewed by Delta’s technical team to ensure compatibility. Delta can typically also create estimates, and remedial action plans based off of ESA reports.
Delta Remediation has strong relationships with consulting engineers, and can provide clients with consultants who can prepare ESA documents, and run testing programs. Delta Remediation does not do consulting work, or run sampling programs, as sampling and testing should be done by a third party.

Biostimulaiton is a bioremediation process that relies on techniques used to stimulate indigenous microbial populations of bacteria found naturally in contaminated soil. These techniques include the addition of nutrients and emulsified vegetable oils, as well as the introduction of moisture and or air into contaminated soil.

Bioaugmentation is a bioremediation process that relies on introducing specific strains of bacteria to remediate the contaminants in soils or water. In bioaugmentation, practitioners augment native microbial populations by introducing specific species into the microbial ecosystem.

Bioremediation applications can vary greatly from simply spraying a surface spill to much more specialized treatment systems. Treatment systems or methods all fall into one of 2 categories In Situ and Ex Situ. In both In-Situ (treated in place) and Ex-Situ (excavated and treated above ground) applications of its microbial products that are coupled with dynamic surfactants and other beneficial amendments when required

In both bioaugmentation and biostimulation bioremediation practitioners rely on live bacteria; therefore, temperature is an important factor to consider. Essentially the warmer the microbes are the more active they are, and the faster they will metabolize contaminants. Through research and development, it has determined that the microbes activity level significantly decreases at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. For these reasons, Spring and Summer are ideal for applying bioremediation technologies in temperate climates. Applications can be done in sub-zero temperatures, however in these cases, significant degradation really begins to happen once temperatures rise and the microbes activity level increases.

Specific microbes are extracted from a once-contaminated site and have been well-studied and understood for decades. Specific strains of Pseudomonas microbes have been chosen because they reproduce rapidly, have an affinity for hydrocarbons, and cause no harm to plants, animals, or people.