Non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) are organic liquids such as dry cleaning fluids, fuel oil, and gasoline that are sparingly soluble in water and are not subject to efficient removal by other technologies. Because they do not mix with water, they form a separate phase. NAPLs can be lighter than water (LNAPL) or denser than water (DNAPL). NAPL contamination commonly exists as a separate organic phase that becomes trapped or sorbed within a given formation. Some NAPLs also tend to be recalcitrant to biodegradation efforts. Surfactant Enhanced Aquifer Remediation involves the injection of hydrocarbon mitigation agents or specialty surfactants into the subsurface to enhance desorption and recovery of bound up otherwise recalcitrant NAPL.
Our surfactants are engineered to strip and desorb NAPL from the matrix. This results in the removal of 75 to 99% of the contaminant mass from the matrix, depending upon site and contaminant specific conditions. We also offer surfactants that can enhance the bioremediation of remaining residual organic by increasing its bioavailability, allowing for an increase in microbial populations.