Surfactant-Enhanced Aquifer Remediation (SEAR)
Mobilizing Contaminants for More Effective Recovery
Tersus Products for SEAR
Click any product below to learn more about its role in this remediation technology.
What is SEAR?
Surfactant-Enhanced Aquifer Remediation (SEAR) is an in situ remediation technology that injects specially formulated surfactants into the subsurface to reduce the interfacial tension between contaminants and water. This process mobilizes and/or solubilizes non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), allowing contaminants trapped within soil pores to be recovered more efficiently through extraction wells.
SEAR is particularly effective for removing dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), and strongly sorbed organic contaminants that are difficult to address using conventional groundwater extraction alone. By removing contaminant mass from source areas, SEAR can significantly reduce long-term plume persistence and improve the effectiveness of subsequent remediation technologies.
Tersus supports SEAR applications with specialized surfactant formulations designed to enhance contaminant recovery while maintaining compatibility with site-specific hydrogeologic conditions.
Typical Applications
TASK™ Anionic Surfactant Blend (ASB) is used as part of a hydraulically controlled SEAR system for removal of separate-phase contamination.
Typical applications include:
- LNAPL and DNAPL source-zone remediation
- Recovery of petroleum hydrocarbons
- Source-zone recovery of chlorinated solvent DNAPLs (e.g., PCE, TCE)
- Removal of coal tar, creosote, and other hydrophobic organic contaminants
- Preparation of sites for enhanced bioremediation or in situ chemical treatment
- Accelerating contaminant mass removal to shorten remediation timeframes
- Sites where conventional pump-and-treat systems have reached diminishing returns
Removal of NAPL mass improves the effectiveness of subsequent remedial technologies and reduces long-term contaminant loading.
Integration with Tersus Technologies
TASK™ serves as the surfactant platform within Tersus’ SEAR design and implementation services. Each TASK™ formulation is customized based on laboratory testing using site-specific samples to:
- Minimize oil–water interfacial tension
- Achieve middle-phase microemulsion behavior
- Design fast-breaking emulsions that simplify separation and treatment
TASK™ is deployed within injection-and-extraction systems designed to maintain hydraulic control, maximize recovery, and minimize surfactant loss to the formation matrix.
Explore Related Technologies
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Enhanced Aerobic Bioremediation
Stimulating aerobic microorganisms to rapidly degrade petroleum hydrocarbons.
Enhanced aerobic bioremediation supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to promote the growth of naturally occurring microorganisms that break down petroleum hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. It is commonly used to treat dissolved plumes and residual contamination from gasoline, diesel, and other fuel releases.
Enhanced Anaerobic Oxidative Bioremediation
Stimulating anaerobic microorganisms to oxidize petroleum hydrocarbons using alternative electron acceptors.
Enhanced anaerobic oxidative bioremediation promotes the biological degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in oxygen-limited environments by supplying alternative electron acceptors such as sulfate or nitrate. This approach is well suited for treating dissolved hydrocarbon plumes where aerobic conditions cannot be sustained.
In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO)
Rapid chemical destruction of contaminants through in situ oxidation.
In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) uses powerful chemical oxidants to rapidly destroy contaminants in soil and groundwater. When properly designed, ISCO can significantly reduce contaminant mass, shorten remediation timeframes, and complement biological remediation technologies.
Chlorinated Solvents
In Situ Biogeochemical Transformation (ISBGT)
Geochemical enhancement using BioBoost™ GeoChem
Specialized geochemical amendment designed to promote in situ iron sulfide (FeS) formation and enhance anaerobic remediation of chlorinated solvents.
Enhanced Anaerobic Reductive Bioremediation
Stimulating organohalide-respiring microorganisms through sustained electron donor delivery.
Enhanced anaerobic reductive bioremediation promotes the biological destruction of chlorinated solvents through sustained electron donor delivery, generating hydrogen that supports sequential reductive dechlorination to harmless end products.
In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR)
Destroying chlorinated solvents through abiotic chemical reduction.
In situ chemical reduction uses reactive amendments, including zero-valent iron and iron sulfide minerals, to chemically transform chlorinated solvents into less harmful compounds. ISCR is particularly effective for treating source areas and high-concentration groundwater where biological processes alone may be too slow.
Why Parter with Tersus?
- Over 40 Years of Remediation Expertise – Practical experience helping consultants, site owners, and regulators solve complex soil and groundwater remediation challenges.
- Innovative, Field-Proven Technologies – High-performance remediation products and treatment approaches designed for a wide range of contaminants and site conditions.
- Technical Collaboration – Practitioner-led guidance throughout technology selection, design, implementation, and performance monitoring.
- Responsive Customer Support – Knowledgeable assistance from budgeting and product selection through field implementation and project completion.
- Reliable Supply & Fast Delivery – Strategically located warehouses and dependable logistics help keep remediation projects on schedule.
- Committed to Your Project Success – We measure our success by helping clients achieve effective, practical, and cost-efficient remediation outcomes.
