Tersus Environmental enters into patent license agreement with Antea®Group
Antea®Group, a global engineering and environmental consulting firm, and Tersus Environmental announced today the signing of an Exclusive License Agreement for US Patent No. 7138060. Under the terms of the agreement, Tersus Environmental will make, market, promote and sell products for sulfate-enhanced bioremediation of contaminated groundwater. The patent includes a process for using high concentrations of sulfate to stimulate biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), other aromatic hydrocarbons and other contaminants susceptible to sulfate-reducing bacteria.
“This license agreement with Antea®Group enables us to further expand our strong foundation of intellectual property,” says Tersus’ Managing Partner, Gary Birk. Our joint resources give Tersus customers the best biotechnology-based solutions to manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities and reduce costs for site closure.”
“We are keen to work with Tersus,” says Mike Martinson, Senior Consultant, Antea®Group. “Tersus’ network of sales associates and staff around the world will help provide a much broader market coverage for our sulfate enhanced technology.”
Enhanced aerobic bioremediation technologies such as the iSOC® gas inFusion technology or the use of oxygen releasing compounds such as TersOx™ are commonly used to accelerate naturally occurring in situ bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, and fuel oxygenates such as MTBE and TBA, by indigenous microorganisms in the subsurface. However, these indigenous microorganisms do not function well in the high contaminant concentrations of the source area. Moreover, the oxygen technologies have to overcome the anaerobic conditions of the source area and often the presence of iron.
Antea®Group developed and proved a sulfate-enhanced in situ remediation strategy to address the anaerobic portion of the plume. Sulfate reduction and methanogenesis appear to dominate natural degradation processes at most sites; and therefore, adding oxygen to the anaerobic portion of the plume may be disadvantageous. The sulfate-enhanced technology, now marketed by Tersus Environmental under the name Nutrisulfate™, stimulates biodegradation by providing a soluble, readily available electron acceptor. In the presence of elevated sulfate, anaerobic groundwater bacteria use BTEX, MTBE and other petroleum hydrocarbons for carbon and energy while mineralizing the hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. Sulfate addition enhances natural conditions and reduces the carbon footprint when compared to conventional remediation. Nutrisulfate™ is a high sulfate metabolic supplement designed to enhance the kinetics and efficiency of microbial systems specifically related to bioremediation. The increase in kinetics and efficiency decreases the remediation time and reduces the amount of substrate / amendment required.
“Deploying Nutrisulfate™ in the anaerobic source zone and one of our oxygen technologies such as iSOC® gas inFusion technology in the perimeter or outskirts of the plume gives Tersus customers the best biotechnology-based solutions to manage complex, challenging environmental liabilities. The use of these two solutions in combination speeds site closure, reduces costs, and leaves the site in an aerobic state precluding the risk of liberating unwanted substances. It’s a game changer,” says Birk.
About Antea®Group
Antea®Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning and water. Antea®Group includes the Belgian, Colombian, French, and United States engineering and consultancy operations of Oranjewoud N.V. In the Netherlands, engineering and consultancy services are offered under the nearly 60-year-old brand, Oranjewoud. With access to more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world and experience on all continents, Antea®Group serves clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. For more information, visit www.anteagroup.com.
Antea®Group also is a co-founder of Inogen, a global corporation providing multinational organisations with consistent, high quality and cost effective environmental, health and safety solutions to assist our multinational clients. Inogen provides global geographic coverage with 12 Inogen Associate companies located on every continent and collectively more than 4,330 staff worldwide. The Inogen service offerings are reflected with the diversity of our membership. We are able to deliver a broad spectrum of environmental, health and safety related services across the world. We have completed projects in more than 120 countries. www.inogenet.com
About Tersus Environmental
Tersus Environmental develops and markets advanced innovative technologies for the remediation of soil and groundwater. Tersus Environmental is the exclusive marketing channel for inVentures Technologies groundwater products – including iSOC® Gas inFusion technology and the gPRO® oxygenation systems – as well as their various remedial uses. With one of the largest solutions portfolios of products for enhanced anaerobic bioremediation, Tersus Environmental offers engineered sustainable solutions to help clients reduce uncertainty, minimize risks, and achieve cost-effective results. For more information, visit www.tersusenv.com.
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