85% Reduction in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH): Crude Oil Spill Remediation Case Study
Overview
A crude oil leak at a tank storage facility in East Texas contaminated soil within the site's containment basin, resulting in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations exceeding 58,000 ppm. Rather than excavating the contaminated soil around active storage tanks, the operator sought an in-place remediation solution that would minimize disruption while achieving regulatory cleanup objectives.
Drylet's patented biological technology was applied to the affected soil, resulting in an 85% reduction in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons over just 28 days, reducing TPH concentrations from 58,500 ppm to approximately 9,000 ppm. Facilities unfamiliar with biological treatment may benefit from understanding how bioaugmentation improves biological treatment before exploring the results of this case study.
Key Results
- 85% reduction in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
- 58,500 ppm reduced to approximately 9,000 ppm
- 28-day field remediation
- Successful in-situ treatment
- Avoided excavation around active storage tanks
The Challenge
An oil production company experienced a leak in the feed line supplying one of its crude oil storage tanks at a facility in East Texas. The release contaminated soil inside the earthen retention basin surrounding two large storage tanks. Initial soil sampling measured Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations exceeding 58,000 parts per million (ppm), well above the site's remediation target. Because the contamination surrounded active storage infrastructure, excavating and replacing the impacted soil would have increased project costs, disrupted facility operations, and created additional material handling requirements. Instead, the operator chose to remediate the contamination in place using biological treatment.
Why TPH Matters
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) are commonly used to evaluate petroleum contamination in soil, groundwater, sediments, and industrial sites. Higher TPH concentrations generally indicate greater levels of petroleum contamination, making TPH an important measurement for tracking remediation progress and demonstrating treatment effectiveness. Reducing petroleum hydrocarbons not only supports regulatory compliance but can also help restore contaminated sites while minimizing environmental impacts.
Treatment Approach
Following a site consultation, Drylet recommended treating the contaminated soil using its patented biological technology. The affected soil was mechanically tilled to improve contact between the biological treatment and the petroleum contamination. The biological treatment was then incorporated throughout the contaminated area to maximize distribution and microbial contact with the hydrocarbons.
Rather than excavating contaminated soil for off-site disposal, the treatment was performed in situ, allowing remediation to occur within the containment basin while avoiding unnecessary disruption to facility operations.
Results
Over the following 28 days, four soil samples were collected from the treated area to monitor treatment progress. Laboratory analysis showed Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon concentrations declined from approximately 58,500 ppm to just over 9,000 ppm, representing an 85% reduction during the evaluation period. The results demonstrated substantial biological degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons while allowing the contaminated soil to remain in place throughout the remediation project.
How Biological Remediation Works
Biological remediation uses naturally occurring microorganisms to break down petroleum hydrocarbons into progressively simpler compounds. Drylet's patented biological technology enhances these natural processes by introducing carefully selected beneficial microorganisms supported by a unique porous mineral carrier that protects microbial populations and promotes sustained biological activity.
As microorganisms metabolize hydrocarbons, complex petroleum compounds are gradually converted into naturally occurring end products under appropriate environmental conditions. Understanding how bacteria break down organic waste helps explain why biological treatment can effectively reduce petroleum contamination in soils, sediments, and other industrial environments.
Benefits of In-Situ Soil Remediation
Excavating petroleum-contaminated soil often requires heavy equipment, transportation, replacement material, and disposal of impacted soils, increasing both project costs and operational disruption. When site conditions are appropriate, in-situ biological treatment allows remediation to occur without removing contaminated soil from the site. This approach can reduce equipment requirements, minimize downtime, and support more sustainable remediation practices while allowing biological degradation to occur naturally.
Conclusion
This field remediation project demonstrated that Drylet's patented biological technology reduced Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) by 85% in just 28 days, lowering concentrations from approximately 58,500 ppm to just over 9,000 ppm without excavating contaminated soil.
Although every remediation project presents unique site conditions, these results demonstrate the potential of biological treatment to accelerate hydrocarbon degradation while supporting efficient, in-place remediation strategies. Organizations evaluating long-term remediation options may also benefit from understanding biological treatment instead of chemical treatment when comparing sustainable approaches to petroleum contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH)?
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) are a group of petroleum-derived compounds measured to evaluate contamination in soil, groundwater, sediments, and industrial sites.
What is in-situ remediation?
In-situ remediation treats contamination in place without excavating or transporting contaminated material to another location.
How does biological remediation reduce petroleum contamination?
Beneficial microorganisms naturally consume petroleum hydrocarbons as a food source, breaking complex hydrocarbons into progressively simpler compounds through biological activity.
Why monitor TPH during remediation?
Monitoring TPH allows environmental professionals to evaluate treatment performance, document remediation progress, and measure reductions in petroleum contamination over time.
Need Help Solving a Biological Treatment Challenge?
Every remediation project is different. If your facility is managing petroleum contamination, sludge accumulation, odors, or biological treatment challenges, Drylet's technical team can evaluate practical biological treatment solutions for your application.
Request a Free Technical Assessment
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