What happens on the first day of treatment with liquid oil binders?
On the day of application, the liquid oil binders sprayed onto the contaminated areas. The mild, natural ingredients are designed not to harm microorganisms, plants or animals. At the same time, road safety is restored thanks to the product’s anti-slip and fire-retardant properties. The Biological surfactants reduce the surface tension of the contaminant and increase the surface area available for the microorganisms that naturally break down hydrocarbons.
What happens on days 2 to 3 – how do the microorganisms accumulate?
Shortly after application, the naturally occurring (ubiquitous) microorganisms begin to accumulate of their own accord on the Oil spill . The nutrients it contains ensure that the microorganisms multiply exponentially, so that the breakdown of the hydrocarbons begins immediately and proceeds much more rapidly than without the addition of specific nutrients.
How does natural breakdown take place between days 4 and 20?
Over the following days, the oil slick is naturally broken down by microorganisms. A process that would normally take several months or even years now takes just a few days. This metabolic process produces natural breakdown products such as H₂O or CO₂.
When is the natural balance restored (days 21–30)?
Depending on the quantity and type of contamination, the degradation process is complete within a few days. The liquid oil binders help to remove the pollutants from the contaminated areas and restore the natural balance. The ingredients of the liquid oil binders, as well as the contaminants, are biodegraded.
Why are microorganisms not killed by biosurfactants?
Bio-surfactants are characterised by particularly low toxicity. This means that microorganisms such as bacteria are not killed off by contact with the liquid oil binders.
How many days does biodegradation take after treatment?
The exact duration depends on the nature of the contamination and environmental factors. The longer the hydrocarbon chains, the more energy-intensive the metabolic process is for the microorganisms – the breakdown of fuel generally takes less time than that of hydraulic oil. Ambient temperature and the availability of water also influence the duration. As a rule, degradation is complete after 2 to 4 weeks.
Where can liquid oil binders be used?
Liquid oil binders are generally applied to Traffic areas used – these include roads, motorways, driveways and all other areas open to traffic. In addition, they can be used on water bodies be used, particularly in hard-to-reach areas along the banks.
Do liquid oil binders contain any micro-organisms?
No, the liquid oil binders contain biosurfactants and nutrients. These promote the growth of the microorganisms required for the degradation of hydrocarbons – namely, hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.
What happens to the liquid oil binder after it has been used?
The liquid oil binders are biodegradable. In addition to the hydrocarbons, the components of the binders are also broken down naturally after use. In this way, they help to restore the balance of nature.