The advent of modern biotechnology has allowed the development of unique and rapid genetic assays for the detection of microorganisms. Bio-Dechlor CENSUS^SM, an example of this advance, offers a state-of-the-art technique for the quantitative detection of Dehalococcoides species, the microbe shown to be required for complete biodegradation of higher chlorinated compounds through to ethene (1, 2).

Existing analytical technologies offer only a crude qualitative assessment (+/-) of the presence of the required Dehalococcoides species. These tests utilize a common technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), whereby traces of DNA specific only to microbes of interest (their "fingerprint") are amplified from environmental samples such that they can be detected. This approach, unfortunately, does not allow for specific quantification of the existing and present microbial populations, leaving the environmental professional with insufficient information for complete site assessment and management.

Regenesis now offers a solution to the quantification dilemma, Bio-Dechlor CENSUS. This census of critical microorganisms is a proprietary analysis and is provided by specialized laboratories in the environmental industry. Bio-Dechlor CENSUS utilizes a process termed "Real-Time PCR" in which the DNA amplification step is actually quantified with a fluorescent signal, indicating the number of target microbes in a sample (Figure 1). This valuable quantitative information allows environmental professionals to properly assess project sites for the potential for natural biodegradation of chlorinated contaminants and the degree of bioaugmentation that may be required. Bio-Dechlor CENSUS can also be used to monitor the number of dechlorinating organisms during engineered biostimulation or bioaugmentation projects.

This laboratory test is specifically provided by specialized laboratories in the environmental field. Currently this analytical service is provided by Microbial Insights out of Rockford, Tennessee and P&K Microbiology out of New Jersey. For further information and pricing please contact them at 865-573-8188 or by e-mail at info@microbe.com.

Recent trends in engineered bioremediation indicate that the treatment of chlorinated solvent contamination can, under circumstances, result in the slow degradation of intermediate compounds. When faced with this problem, bioaugmentation with a microbial consortium such as Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM offers a solution to accelerate the complete dechlorination of these otherwise recalcitrant contaminants. Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM can be used at most any stage of a project to ensure the rapid and complete degradation of chlorinated compounds. Specifically, Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM can be added to an aquifer at the beginning of a project in situations where there is a lack of, or suboptimal populations of Dehalococcoides. Actual quantities of these organisms can be measured using Bio-Dechlor CENSUS ( a real-time PCR technique) currently available through Microbial Insights at www.microbe.com.

Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM™ is an enriched natural microbial consortium containing species of Dehalococcoides.This very specific species of organisms has been scientifically proven to be required for the full and complete degradation of chlorinated ethenes. Originally isolated from an aquifer contaminated with chlorinated solvents, this microbial consortium has since been enriched to increase its ability to rapidly dechlorinate contaminants during in situ bioremediation processes. Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM has been shown to stimulate the rapid and complete dechlorination of compounds such as tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), dichloroethene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM is a culture that was developed in the laboratory of Dr. Frank Loeffler at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The original source of the culture was the Bachman Road Site in Oscoda, MI and we believe through the efforts of his laboratory that Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM represents a significant improvement over the original culture materials used at that site.

This product is provided in a liquid form and is delivered via direct injection into the contaminated subsurface. Free project site evaluation and cost estimates are available through our technical services staff (949) 366-8000.