Technology Summary
How Does The Tough Stuff System Work?
The microstructure of most soils is arranged into stable aggregates. The only exception would be very sandy solids
that contain little clay, silt or organic matter. In most cases the soil aggregates have some water-filled pores
that can provide micoorganisms a suitable habitat for growth. This “aquatic microenvironment” provides
microorganisms with necessary moisture, availability of an oxygen source and nutrients. As concentrations of
contaminants enter the soil, they are generally biodegraded by native microorganisms that see the contaminant
molecules as sources of energy, or as a toxin to be removed.
"We offer free soil test reports on soil samples of proposed projects so that we supply the correct microbes for
optimum results."
In summary, the rate of bioremediation is limited by the low availability of surfaces for microbial growth that are:
- hydrophilic enough to maintain a water film
- nutritionally balanced
- non-toxic
The Tough Stuff delivery system introduces a co-solvent producing a major change in the amount of biologically available
water. This produces a dramatic increase in the ability of the contaminated soil to support microbial growth, and
results in improved bioremediation rates.
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The system also provides:
- an effective and controlled supply of nutrients
- many new non-toxic surfaces for microbial adhesion
- contaminant-freecharged surfaces to which contaminant molecules will diffuse down both
concentration and charge gradients
The rate at which nutrients are supplied to soil microorganisms is very
important. A balance of nutrients and available oxygen for microbial growth must be monitored and controlled.
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