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TersOx™ Powder

Enhanced Aerobic Bioremediation
  
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)   

Product Overview

TersOx™ Powder is a specially formulated calcium peroxide product designed to provide a controlled, long-term release of molecular oxygen for enhanced aerobic bioremediation of contaminated soils and groundwater. It is used to stimulate indigenous aerobic microorganisms that degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and other aerobically biodegradable compounds.

TersOx™ Powder is not a chemical oxidation product. Instead, it functions as a sustained oxygen source that supports biological activity over extended periods, improving treatment effectiveness while minimizing operations and maintenance requirements.

Technical Basis

Controlled Oxygen Release

TersOx™ Powder consists primarily of calcium peroxide, which reacts slowly with moisture to release molecular oxygen. This controlled reaction provides a sustained oxygen supply rather than the rapid, short-lived oxygen release associated with liquid oxidants.

The product contains greater than 16.6% oxygen by weight, allowing it to function as a long-term oxygen source for up to 12 months under ideal conditions. This sustained oxygen availability promotes aerobic microbial metabolism and enhances biodegradation rates.

Biological, Not Chemical Oxidation

TersOx™ Powder does not rely on direct chemical oxidation of contaminants. Instead, it increases dissolved oxygen concentrations to stimulate naturally occurring aerobic bacteria, accelerating biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons such as:

  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Ethylbenzene
  • Xylenes (BTEX)

Applications

TersOx™ Powder is used to support aerobic remediation in soil and groundwater.

Typical applications include:

  • Aerobic bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons
  • Source-area treatment and polishing of residual impacts
  • Oxygen delivery to low-oxygen or anaerobic zones
  • Treatment in soils, trenches, pits, and excavations
  • Groundwater treatment via injectable slurry systems

Integration with Tersus Technologies

TersOx™ Powder complements Tersus’ broader remediation portfolio by addressing aerobic treatment objectives, while EDS-based products target anaerobic processes.

It may be used:

  • As a standalone aerobic amendment
  • As a polishing step following anaerobic remediation
  • In transition zones where aerobic degradation is preferred

TersOx™ Powder can be applied as a dry solid or as a water-based slurry, depending on site conditions and treatment goals.

Features & Benefits

Features

  • Controlled release of molecular oxygen
  • High oxygen content (>16.6% by weight)
  • Solid formulation for flexible deployment
  • No ongoing operations or maintenance
  • Expected shelf life of approximately two years

Benefits

  • Sustains aerobic conditions for extended durations
  • Stimulates indigenous aerobic microbial populations
  • Enhances biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons
  • Lower cost and safer handling compared to liquid oxidants
  • Suitable for soil and groundwater applications

Typical Application

TersOx™ Powder may be applied directly as a dry material in soils and excavations or mixed with water to form a slurry for subsurface injection.

For groundwater applications, the slurry can be injected via direct-push methods in grid or barrier configurations. Slurry concentration and loading are site-specific and depend on soil permeability and treatment objectives. Tighter soils typically accept lower slurry volumes than permeable sands. Application rates and slurry formulations are site-specific and based on soil type, permeability, and remediation goals.

Physical Characteristics

Parameter Specification
Physical State Solid
Appearance White to yellow powder
Odor None
pH (in water) Approximately 12
Oxygen Content >16.6% by weight
Bulk Density 500–650 g/L
Water Solubility Insoluble

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete compositional, handling, and hazard information.

Environmental Fate

TersOx™ Powder decomposes in the presence of moisture to release oxygen and form calcium hydroxide. It does not bioaccumulate and does not introduce persistent organic compounds into the environment. Residual reaction products are consistent with naturally occurring calcium species in soil and groundwater. 

Transportation

  • Proper Shipping Name: Oxidizing Solid, Corrosive, n.o.s. (Calcium Peroxide)
  • UN Number: UN3085
  • DOT Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
  • Packing Group: II

Refer to the SDS for full transportation and regulatory details. 

Packaging

TersOx™ Powder is supplied in 25 kg bags, providing convenient handling and dosing flexibility for field applications.

TersOx™ Powder