Nutrisulfate® Liquid
Sulfate-Enhanced Bioremediation (SEB)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Product Overview
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is a sulfate-based bioremediation amendment designed to enhance anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and related compounds in groundwater and soil. The product supplies a readily available sulfate electron acceptor, supporting sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under conditions where sulfate reduction is the dominant natural attenuation pathway.
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is formulated as an aqueous solution of magnesium sulfate, with optional inclusion of nutrient-rich fermentation components to support microbial activity. It is particularly well suited for anaerobic source areas where oxygen-based remedies are ineffective or counterproductive.
Technical Basis
Role of Sulfate in Anaerobic Biodegradation
At many petroleum-impacted sites, sulfate reduction and methanogenesis are the predominant natural degradation processes. In anaerobic source zones, introducing oxygen can be inefficient or undesirable due to:
- High contaminant concentrations
- Strongly reducing conditions
- Elevated dissolved iron
Under sulfate-reducing conditions, microorganisms oxidize petroleum hydrocarbons while using sulfate as the terminal electron acceptor, resulting in mineralization to carbon dioxide and water.
Sulfate-Enhanced Bioremediation (SEB)
Nutrisulfate® Liquid enhances this naturally occurring process by providing soluble, bioavailable sulfate, increasing reaction kinetics and improving overall treatment efficiency. Sulfate addition promotes anaerobic biodegradation without disrupting established geochemical conditions, making SEB a practical alternative to aerobic or highly engineered remedies.
Applications
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is used for anaerobic remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and related compounds.
Typical applications include:
- BTEX-impacted groundwater
- Fuel oxygenates such as MTBE and TBA
- Anaerobic source areas and plume cores
- Sites with elevated iron or strongly reducing conditions
- Polishing or enhancement of natural attenuation
The product may be injected via wells, direct-push points, or recirculation systems.
Integration with Tersus Technologies
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is used as a standalone sulfate amendment to enhance anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons under sulfate-reducing conditions.
The product may also be applied in combination with Nutrimens® Liquid to provide supplemental microbial nutrition, supporting sulfate-reducing bacteria and improving overall treatment performance where nutrient limitations are present.
For applications requiring both sulfate delivery and additional nutrient support, Nutrisulfate® Liquid may be used alongside Nutrisulfate® BioBoost™, providing flexibility in amendment selection based on site conditions and deployment objectives.
In integrated treatment strategies, Nutrisulfate® Liquid supplies the electron acceptor capacity required for sulfate-reducing biodegradation, while complementary nutrient amendments support microbial health and distribution within the treatment zone.
Features & Benefits
Features
- High-solubility sulfate formulation
- Aqueous liquid for easy injection and distribution
- Compatible with anaerobic treatment systems
-
Non-hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication
Benefits
- Enhances anaerobic biodegradation kinetics
- Reduces remediation time
- Decreases substrate demand
- Effective under strongly reducing conditions
- Clean, low-cost, non-disruptive application
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Supports green, sustainable remediation strategies
Typical Application
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is diluted with water and injected into the subsurface using wells or direct-push methods. Injection spacing, sulfate loading, and sequencing are defined based on site-specific geochemistry, contaminant concentrations, and treatment objectives.
Application rates and dilution ratios are site-specific and determined based on contaminant concentrations, geochemical conditions, and remediation goals.
Physical & Chemical Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical State | Liquid |
| Appearance | Tan to brown liquid |
| Odor | Mild, fermented |
| pH | 6–7 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.25–1.35 |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete compositional, handling, and hazard information.
Environmental Fate and Safety
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is readily soluble and biodegradable through microbial utilization. The product is not classified as hazardous and does not contain regulated toxic constituents. Excess sulfate in surface waters may contribute to eutrophication and should be managed in accordance with approved work plans.
Transportation
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is classified as non-hazardous for transportation under U.S. DOT, TDG, IMDG, and IATA regulations.
Packaging
Nutrisulfate® Liquid is available in:
- 55-gallon poly drums
- 275-gallon IBC totes
Packaging options provide flexibility for pilot studies through full-scale remediation projects.
