References - Research Projects

Biofer-rem remediation technology involves the application of iron microparticles and easily fermentable substrates into the contaminated geological environment. This creates favourable thermodynamic conditions for (1) both abiotic and biological reduction of chlorinated ethenes and (2) the formation of reactive FeSₓ-based minerals, which also facilitate abiotic contaminant degradation. This technology is especially suitable for sulphate-rich sites. It was developed with financial support from TAČR (project TH01030851 "BIOGEOCHEM") and tested through a long-term pilot-scale trial. The project resulted in a validated technology and a functional prototype of the remediation product.

The Thermo-bio-rem technology is based on thermally enhanced in-situ anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated contaminants. During this process, sequential hydrogenolysis of chlorinated ethenes occurs, ultimately producing non-toxic ethene and ethane. The metabolic process is significantly accelerated by raising the temperature of the rock environment to the optimal range of 20–30 °C. A substantial portion of the energy required for heating is obtained from solar power. The technology was developed with financial support from TAČR (project TH01031225) and verified under real conditions at two contaminated sites. The outcome of the project is a validated remediation technology.