Biodegradace

Biological treatment of dangerous wastes via the DEKONTAM-3 technology was developed by DEKONTA, a.s. in connection to the previous technologies DEKONTAM-1-RL and DEKONTAM-2-DL. Biodegradation technology DEKONTAM-3 was, like the previous technologies, assessed and approved by the National Institute of Public Health and the Czech Republic Ministry of Health.

The afore-mentioned technology is a complex biodegradation technology for decontamination of soil and other materials contaminated with nonpolar carbohydrates of oil origin or products of coke-chemical industry (tars, aromatic carbohydrates, PAU). The principle of the method is based on ability of some aerobic microorganisms to degrade undesirable organic compounds and use them as a source of carbon and energy for their metabolism. The microorganisms are thus able to degrade a wide spectrum of carbohydrates (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromates, polyaromates) through a range of intermediate products to final products – water and carbon dioxide.

Biodegradation is a natural process which is intensified and controlled within sanitation activities so that the maximum possible efficiency is achieved. Intensification of biological activity is based on increase in concentration of degradation microorganisms in the contaminated material which thus increases their metabolic activity, and if need be, enrichment with other specific bacterial strains (extension of the enzymatic spectrum). Supplementing of minerals and thorough aeration of the system is also provided. In addition to the wastes for which the equipment is intended, an NP fertilizer will be used for supplying of nutrients.

The high efficiency essence of the biodegradation technology DEKONTAM-3 is a complex approach to decontamination of wastes respecting specific characteristics of a particular waste. It involves an initial waste analysis (chemical, microbiological), subsequent optimization of the type and concentration of the applied inoculum (a bioproduct approved by the NIPH), adjustment of the method of nutrition supplementing for growth of biomass, and continuous monitoring of the biodegradation process and actual status of the waste being decontaminated (contents of nutrients, a biomass volume, changes in concentration of contaminants being degraded). Based on the analyses, repeated dosing of mineral fertilizers (N, P), a number of the bioproduct re-applications, need of aeration or humidifying of the material etc. is considered.

In the course of a biodegradation process performed on the decontamination area, samples of the treated waste are taken and the whole process is monitored via a range of chemical and microbiological analyses. Based on the analyses, repeated dosing of mineral fertilizers (N, P), a number of the bioproduct re-applications, need of cultivation or humidifying of the material etc. is considered.

Biodegradation process is ended upon achieving the required stage of decontamination. The waste treated via the above-mentioned technology is handled in compliance with the valid waste legislation. A suitable ways of handling may be as follows: depositing in an appropriate type of dump, technical use for various recultivation purposes or potential use for technical purposes in an open terrain, always with respect to the actual characteristics of the waste.