Environmental Remediation Services
Environmental remediation is guided by lines of chemical, geochemical, and microbiological evidence. Traditionally, culture based methods like heterotrophic or "specific-degrader" plate counts have been used as microbiological evidence to assess biodegradation potential. However, more than 99% of microorganisms cannot be grown in a laboratory. Thus, conventional methods underestimate microbial populations and often do not correspond to contaminant biodegradation in the field.
Microbial Insights (MI) offers a broad spectrum of Molecular Biological Tools (MBTs) and Site Logic services with the goal of aiding our clients in characterizing, understanding, and managing biological processes. MBTs eliminate the need to grow microorganisms in the laboratory thereby circumventing the limitations of conventional methods. From site characterization through remedy selection and performance monitoring, MBTs provide more direct, comprehensive, and accurate assessment of microbial communities and the actionable data needed to make site management decisions.
Molecular Biological Tools
Molecular Biological Tools or MBTs encompass a variety of chemical-, biochemical-, DNA- and RNA-based analyses to characterize and quantify microbial populations and activity.
CENSUS - Based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), CENSUS is a nucleic acid-based approach to quantify specific microorganisms, groups of microorganisms, or functional genes involved in bioremediation or other biological processes. CENSUS targets include bacteria and functional genes responsible for biodegradation of chlorinated solvents and petroleum products among others.
Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) - A broad-based biochemical approach to assess viable biomass concentrations, profile microbial community composition, and provide insight into the metabolic status or “health” of the microbial community.
Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) - Is biodegradation occurring? SIP is an innovative technique to conclusively demonstrate biodegradation by quantifying incorporation of a 13C labeled contaminant of concern into microbial biomass and dissolved inorganic carbon.
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) - DGGE is a DNA-based technique which generates a profile or “fingerprint” which can be used to identify dominant members of the microbial community.
Site Logic Tools
Site Logic Tools are a group of diagnostic and professional services for the environmental restoration industry that facilitate site management decisions.
Bio-Trap Samplers - Passive sampling tools which in essence become in situ microcosms for routine groundwater sampling, assessment of monitored natural attenuation, and quantitative evaluation of enhanced bioremediation alternatives.
Maximum Oil Retention (ORM) - One of the most fundamental design parameters for injection of an edible oil emulsion to promote anaerobic bioremediation is the mass of emulsified oil required. Underestimation leads to poor performance while overestimation leads to increased costs without improving performance. Determining a site specific ORM is a cost-effective measure to optimize emulsified oil injection design.
pH Buffering - Optimal pH for growth of many bacteria is between pH 6 and 8. The acidity and buffering analysis provides the equivalents of base needed to overcome aquifer acidity and maintain a near neutral pH required for optimum biological activity.
Comprehensive and Historical Reports - MI offers comprehensive and historical reporting to integrate converging lines of chemical, geochemical, and microbiological evidence to aid in site management decisions.
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