Bioremediation of contaminated sediments in coastal areas of ex-industrial sites

Introduction Founded in 1996, the Belgian company is a biotechnology one that develops, manufactures and commercializes biotechnology products for the treatment of organic, domestic and industrial production and pollution. The products developed are based on an exclusive process of microorganisms biofixation on natural mineral supports. In the frame of a recently selected LIFE project, the company is looking for a partner interested in the future commercialization of the technology developed via (pre-)license or financial agreement. The technology The project aims to demonstrate the efficiency of an innovative in situ remediation methodology for contaminated coastal sediments. The methodology will apply, for the first time, the combination of two existing technologies (bioremediation and electro-kinetic systems) to reduce by 80% the concentration of organic contaminants and immobilize metals. The project will be applied in the real marine environment in Bagnoli following these steps: - a customized Electrokinetic field will be created using a series of steel electrodes installed in the area to be treated - a media containing zeolites and microorganisms fixed on porous support will be used for the degradation of organic contaminants, adsorption and immobilization of heavy metals - Electro-kinetics via an effective electrochemical method to alter and control physicochemical conditions of soil matrix and represents a beneficial and sustainable way to remediate polluted soil, groundwater and sediments - Eco-barrier bio-buffer - all by-products linked to degradation processes in place will be quantified applying an innovative and integrated monitoring methodology The types of partnership The company would consider both financial and (pre-)license agreements. The wish is to find a partner interested in becoming the commercial partner and exclusive distributor/user of the technology. The commercial partner would be dredging or environmental remediation company. More about the company Today, the range is composed by three products, aiming to solve a large number of issues. 1) The product for treatment of sewer networks tackles the following issues: - the significant and stagnant presence of sludge and grease in the sewer system; - odour nuisances in and around the sewer system; - excessive production of H2S in the sewer system; - pollution of downstream rivers or streams; - downstream of WWTP treatment plant. 2) The product for surface water treatment eliminates: - An important presence of organic sludge in surface water; - Nauseous odors in and around the surface water; - Mediocre visual aspect of the surface water due to a lack of water clarity; 3) The product for waste-water treatment plants (WWTP) tackles: - relatively low treatment yields; - odour nuisances at and around the plant; - excessive sludge production in the secondary settling tanks of the plants+; - high operating costs.