Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.

Fungal Degradation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil

Soils contaminated with polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been found at over 2,000 sites associated with manufactured gas plants (MGP) throughout the United States. These sites represent over $8 billion in environmental liability.

In a program sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc. (EBT) screened over five hundred fungal cultures and identified selected organisms that can effectively degrade both low and high molecular weight PAHs. (see Microbial Composting Process). In a technology development program sponsored by EPRI and the US EPA SITE Emerging Technology, EBT was successful in demonstrating a fungal soil treatment process which degraded PAHs in soil over a 59 day period. This success is reflected in EBT's acceptance into the U.S. EPA SITE Demonstration Program. We are looking for an industrial partner who has a suitable site for this Superfund Project. For more information on the fungal technology for degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons visit the EPA Fungal Technology Development Program site which discusses the preliminary testing. For information on becoming an industrial partner in the Superfund (SITE) program contact Dr. Doug Munnecke at EBT or Dr. Ron Lewis at the U.S. EPA [(510) 596-7856].

In many states, soil treatment standards are based on total PAHs, with a 100 ppm regulatory level. EBT's fungal treatment process reached these clean up standards within a 5-6 week treatment period.

One intended environmental application for this technology is the treatment of MGP sites. Soils at these sites are contaminated with PAHs and are difficult to remediate cost effectively. EBT's fungal soil treatment process is projected to cost $66-$80/ton which is more cost effective than other technical approaches such as coburning in utility burners, thermal desorption, and incineration which are being considered by utility companies.

 

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Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.
255C S. Guild Ave.
Lodi, CA 95240
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