Biopile biotreatment of soil

Biodegradation reduces the concentrations of hydrocarbons and of other organic contaminants in excavated soils and is used by Sanexen in many projects. More than 200 000 metric tonnes of soil have been successfully treated by Sanexen with this method to date, even under conditions as difficult as those of the Canadian Far North. Biological treattment in piles or in alternate configurations is generally very cost-effective when compared to other approaches.

In the most common configuration, aerobic biodegradation consists of forming treatment piles or 'cells' and stimulating the microbial population already present in the soil. Stimulation is accomplished by conditioning and aerating the soil. A mendments used allow to optimize nutrients, moisture, porosity and temperature to bring about effective breakdown of the contaminants.