The remediation engineers of Toxicological & Environmental Associates, Inc. (TEA) are experts in the design and implementation of engineered in-situ bioremediation systems. TEA frequently uses bioremediation for elimination of chemical contaminants at client sites. This technology relies on naturally occurring aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as fungi in some cases to degrade and mineralize anthropogenic chemicals in soil and groundwater. Successful application of the technology requires that metabolically active, naturally occurring microorganisms be present in contaminated zones in order to eliminate chemical contaminants. The technology can be utilized in three basic forms: natural attenuation, biostimulation, and bioaugmentation. The professionals at TEA are experienced in the application and use of all three bioremediation methodologies.

TEA has a wide range of field experience in the application of bioremediation technologies. Since its creation as a corporation, TEA has provided expert assistance to clients who have relied on natural attenuation processes and concomitant risk assessments to show that chemical contaminants and risk factors at their site are decreasing. TEA has participated in numerous bioremediation projects where groundwater analyses were used to quantitatively determine how existing geochemical factors and microbial populations should be manipulated to achieve optimum degradation of constituents of concern. TEA has also used biostimulation and bioaugmentation as a remedial technology when necessary. This is done by adding microcosm study-identified food sources (biostimulation) or removing indigenous microbial populations from groundwater, and in a laboratory setting inducing them to produce the enzyme systems necessary for degradation of the contaminants. The resulting microbial consortia are then grown to larger volumes and re-introduced into contaminated zones (bioaugmetaion). This methodology uses only naturally occurring microorganisms from a site and does not rely on genetically engineered microbes (GEM).

TEA is continuing to refine the use of bioremediation techniques. We have experience in microbial abatement of chlorinated ethenes (PCE, TCE, DCE, VC), and are looking to the future for application of bioremediation methods to more recalcitrant chemicals.

For more information, please contact Frank Manale at 225-767-3880 or fmanale@teainconline.com.