Microbiological treatment
Fungi and bacteria at work
At its Wolfern site, M.E.G. operates a facility for the microbiological treatment of contaminated soil. In this process, pollutants – primarily mineral oils – are broken down by microbes such as bacteria and fungi into CO₂, water and biomass.
We rely primarily on the “controlled self-cleaning power of the soil”: our primary aim is to accelerate and precisely control the natural degradation process by optimising operating conditions.
Due to its equipment, the plant has an extensive catalogue of waste codes and can accept and process a wide variety of waste. The facility is used as well as an interim storage site for all types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Delivery of materialsMicrobiological treatment in detail
Microbiological treatment involves several steps.
It begins with the delivery of materials such as oil-containing sludge, oil-contaminated soil or oil-contaminated construction waste.
Pre-sorting
Following an initial inspection, we first carry out mechanical processing using a mobile screening machine, as required. The material is pre-sorted and separated into a coarse fraction – stones or oversized material with a diameter of more than 50 mm – and a fine fraction – soil with a diameter of less than 50 mm.
The material from the coarse fraction is temporarily stored and examined in more detail. Our experts then use the relevant limit values to determine whether the material can be reused or recycled. If not, they decide which Landfills the material will be sent to.
Unlock, mix, homogenise
Soil from the fine fraction requires further treatment in the form of microbiological treatment. This is carried out in so-called batches, whereby a single batch may consist of several partial deliveries. In this process, we take care to use only partial quantities with similar contamination levels in order to avoid unauthorised mixing.
The application and treatment of the respective batches thus takes place in the form of so-called windrows. We complete the first stage of the process by adding a carbon source, a fungal or bacterial emulsion, as well as nutrients for the microbes.
Then it’s time to break down, mix and homogenise.
Ongoing monitoring and microbial degradation of hydrocarbons
With continuous monitoring of temperature, humidity and bioactivity, the microbial breakdown of the hydrocarbons begins.
Reviews and regular analyses
This process requires two to five repetitions and regular analyses by external microbiologists. This is the only way we can guarantee the highest quality and ensure that all hazardous properties are completely eliminated from the resulting products.
Landfilling, disposal and recycling
Depending on the end product, we arrange for its disposal, primarily at landfills for excavated soil, construction waste or residual materials. To this end, we are able to use landfills across the group without having to travel long distances.
Back to nature
This method of floor cleaning has the benefit over thermal and chemical-physical processes that the structure and composition of the materials used are fully preserved.
We therefore ensure that the materials are treated in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.
Our expertise – your benefits
Standing still is simply not an option, particularly in this sector. We are therefore constantly developing our own services. In doing so, we are not only expanding our own range of treatments, but have also, in the past, helped to develop and successfully implement a number of innovative technologies, such as solidification, soil washing and incineration plants.
We are happy to make our expertise and experience available to you for your enquiries and ensure your waste is put to good use.
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Microbiological treatment
