GUEST SPEAKER: Kent Armstrong on Bioremediation

Nick Ho '17
APES E Block
01/27/16
Information from Kent Armstrong's Lecture and Presentation

BioStryke's Website (www.biostryke.com)

This past Monday, Kent Armstrong came and spoke to our APES class about the process of bio-remediation and the role his company plays in that process. BioStryke is a company that aims to "develop, manufacture and market innovative, differentiated technologies for the environmental remediation of soils and groundwater," as described on their website.  Part of what sets them apart is the fact that their solutions to biochemical issues are much more cost-effective than other solutions available today. Kent describes what he does as "leveraging the momentum Mother Nature creates."

The issue that Kent deals with is not a simple one. Soils and groundwater sources have been contaminated with toxicants, primarily building materials (such as asbestos and silicon), metals (like lead and mercury), and organics (meaning petroleum and solvents). Kent now spends his time dealing with organics, which can be found in things like dry-cleaner solvents. These toxic substances find their way into the ground in a multitude of different ways. For example, leakage from petroleum tanks and improper disposal of waste can lead to an area becoming polluted. Kent described locations such as previous gas stations as highly probable of being contaminated. He also explained to us that these chemicals aren't something to be brushed off lightly. He showed us real world examples of where these toxins can be found, like schools and homes. We are all affected, as students, parents, home owners, etc.

Some examples of contamination
characterization strategies

The first step in the cleaning process, known as Phase I, is a "drive-by visual examination" of a site. This step only provides qualitative - not quantitative - points of evaluation. Following this is Phase II, which involves analytical testing and aids to quantify the extent of contamination. This can include testing such as soil/groundwater drilling and sampling. At this point in the process, Kent can begin to design a Remedial Action Plan (RAP), which is a part of Phase III. Here, Kent determines how any additional steps need to be executed in order to most efficiently tackle the chemical issue. This step is of a great deal of importance because the Remedial Action Plan will vary on a case by case basis. Some Phase III strategies include: soil washing, stabilization, incineration, pumping and treating, and bioremediation.

As mentioned earlier, the bioremediation process is much more cost-efficient than many alternative solutions available. One such solution is the "hog-and-haul," which is essentially taking contaminated land and moving it to a landfill, one ton at a time. While this provides a quick, easy answer to the issue of soil contamination, it is expensive and non-sustainable. The cost of moving one ton of soil through the "hog-and-haul" method is $100, compared to the $10 per ton of land it costs in the process of bioremediation. Additionally, constantly dumping toxic soil into landfills cannot continue at a constant rate, or all landfills will become too full to hold any more waste. Granted, there are downsides to bioremediating land, namely the duration of the process. While "hogging-and-hauling" is immediate, bioremediation can take three to five years.

Chlorinated Alkene Dechlorination Pathway

Bioremediation is a complex process, which involves stimulating microbes in the soil to render toxins inert, or harmless. Bugs, as Kent referred to them, are simply tiny microbes that have existed in the ground since before our time. These aerobic bugs serve the purpose of breathing in parts of harmful substances until they can no longer cause harm, much like humans breathe in oxygen. To aid this process, Kent incorporates a biostimulative additive to the mix which helps the bugs clean up the mess created by these toxins.

I personally enjoyed listening to Kent Armstrong speak about what his company does for the cleaning up of the environment. I think his solution of utilizing resources that are already available (meaning microbes) and harnessing their power shows innovation and creativity. However, I feel that despite the financial benefits of bioremediation, it will still be placed on the back burner, at least while solutions like the "hog-and haul" are available. This is because the process is so slow, and because convenience has, and I believe will, take precedence over any financial benefits.