SBP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation)

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:

SBP Technologies, Inc. (SBP), has developed a hazardous waste treatment system consisting of (1) a membrane filtration system that extracts and concentrates contaminants from groundwater, surface water, wash water, or slurries; and (2) a bioremediation system that treats concentrated groundwater, wash water, and soil slurries (see photograph below). These two systems treat a wide range of waste materials separately or as parts of an integrated waste handling system.

The membrane filtration system removes and concentrates contaminants by pumping contaminated liquids through porous stainless steel tubes coated with specifically formulated membranes. Contaminants are collected inside the tube membrane, while "clean" water permeates the membrane and tubes. Depending on local requirements and regulations, the clean permeate can be discharged to the sanitary sewer for further treatment at a publicly owned treatment works (POTW). The concentrated contaminants are collected in a holding tank and fed to the bioremediation system.

Contaminated water or slurry can also flow directly into the bioremediation system and be polished in the membrane filtration system. The bioremediation system consists of one or more bioreactors that are inoculated with specially selected, usually indigenous microorganisms to produce effluent with low to nondetectable contaminant levels. Integrating the two systems allows removal and destruction of many contaminants.

WASTE APPLICABILITY:

The membrane filtration system concentrates contaminants and reduces the volume of contaminated materials from a number of waste streams, including contaminated groundwater, surface water, storm water, landfill leachates, and industrial process wastewater.

The bioremediation system can treat a wide range of organic contamination, especially wood-preserving wastes and solvents. A modified version can also treat polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as creosote and coal tar; pentachlorophenol; petroleum hydrocarbons; and chlorinated aliphatics, such as trichloroethene.

The two technologies can be used separately or combined, depending on site characteristics and waste treatment needs. For example, for wastewaters or slurries contaminated with inorganics or materials not easily bioremediated, the membrane filtration system can separate the material for treatment by another process. Both the membrane filtration system and the bioremediation system can be used as part of a soil cleaning system to handle residuals and contaminated liquids.

STATUS:

The membrane filtration system, accepted into the SITE Program in 1990, was demonstrated in October 1991 at the American Creosote Works in Pensacola, Florida. The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-92/014) and Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/AR-92/014) are available from EPA. A full-scale SITE Program demonstration of the bioremediation system was canceled. However, a smaller-scale field study was conducted at the site; results are available through the developer.

SBP is marketing its bioremediation and membrane filtration systems to industrial and governmental clients for on-site treatment of contaminated soil, sludge, and water.

DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:

Results from the SITE demonstration are summarized as follows:

• The system effectively concentrated the PAHs into a smaller volume.
• The process removed 95 percent of the PAHs found in creosote from the feed and produced a permeate stream that was acceptable for discharge to a POTW.
• The membrane removed 25 to 35 percent of smaller phenolic compounds.
• The system removed an average of about 80 percent of the total concentrations of creosote constituents (phenolics and PAHs) in the feedwater and permeate.

Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7758
Fax: 513-569-7620

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Clayton Page
SBP Technologies, Inc.
6149 North Shore Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
504-755-7711
Fax: 504-755-7711