Frequently asked questions about Oil Sponge AB and Oil Sponge AB PLUS
Q. Why is Oil Sponge better than other absorbents?
A. Not only is Oil Sponge more absorbent than most competing absorbents (up to 8 times more than clay) which greatly reduces disposal costs, but Oil Sponge AB PLUS contains a microbial package that has the capability to degrade a broad spectrum of hydrocarbons, including light hydrocarbons, benzenes, diesels, gasoline, BTEX, and related fuels found in contaminated soil and water.
Q. Is Oil Sponge safe for the environment?
A. Yes, Oil Sponge was developed to restore the environment to its natural state. When used properly Oil Sponge prevents collateral damage by minimizing the migration of spilled fluids. Oil Sponge AB PLUS contains a specific microbial and nutrient package that aids in the bio remediation of contaminated soil.
Q. Who confirms test results?
A. Test results are from third party references, such as independent laboratories, government testing and non-related parties to the manufacturer, like distributors and customers.
Q. How fast does Oil Sponge absorb an oil spill?
A. A lot depends on the type of petroleum fluid being absorbed. Due to the unique fiber structure of Oil Sponge, absorption will start immediately. Incidental spills on a hard surface can be completely absorbed within a few minutes.
Q. Will Oil Sponge absorb anti-freeze?
A. It will absorb the glycols in the anti-freeze, but generally Oil Sponge is not very effective on water or water-based spills.
Q. What is the shelf life of Oil Sponge?
A. Oil Sponge has an indefinite shelf life as long as it is kept in a dry environment.
Q. Is Oil Sponge the only product with a dedicated microbial package?
A. Other products claim they have microbial packages or systems that enhance microbial activity, but only Oil Sponge AB PLUS physically adds an ATCC-certified blend of hydrocarbon digesting microbes and an essential nutrient package.
Q. Will Oil Sponge and Oil Sponge AB PLUS absorb the same?
A. Yes, the bacteria package in the Oil Sponge AB PLUS does not increase or take away from the absorbency.
Q. What is the shelf life of the bacteria in Oil Sponge products?
A. This is a two-part answer. First, the bacteria package in all Oil Sponge AB PLUS products is guaranteed for a year, provided that it is unopened and not introduced to moisture or water. Second, if the bacteria are introduced to water or moisture it will become active, use up a readily available food source, then generally revert back to a status form or mortality may set in.
Q. What nutrients naturally occur in Oil Sponge?
A. Ammonium sulphate is produced during the processing of the raw material. Ammonium sulphate is now the most widely used synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. It is manufactured in large quantities from ammonia(NH3), produced by the Haber process, and sulphuric acid (H2SO4), produced by the contact process. Conversion Formula 2NH3 + H2SO4→(NH4)2SO4.
Q. Do all bacteria degrade oils?
A. There are specific bacteria for degrading specific compounds.
Q. Why is Oil Sponge AB PLUS better than competing brands that claim to have bacteria in them?
A. Some products claim to have ''indigenous bacteria'' that remediate oils and fuels, but there are many types of bacteria for the many different types of compounds. Oil Sponge AB PLUS uses a blend of bacteria to effectively digest various compounds, where other competitors don't even know what bacteria is present.
Q. Is Oil Sponge AB PLUS only for remediation?
A. No, it can be used as a general absorbent as well.
Q. What happens to the bacteria after they digest the petroleum?
A. Typically the bacteria will revert to a dormant state or will die, causing no ill effect on the environment.
Q. What bacteria are contained in Oil Sponge AB PLUS Absorbent and what do they break down?
A. The proprietary blend is designed to degrade hydrocarbons, petroleum products, paraffin, naphthalene, petroleum products, phenolic compounds and naphthalene. The function of bacteria is to have the right blend that has an extreme attraction for the food source (the waste needed for remediation). In the case of the HC (hydrocarbon blend) the bacteria want to digest a petroleum based waste and will produce an enzyme that will break down the hydrocarbon chain small enough for the bacteria to digest. The bacteria will digest the smaller particles of petroleum of which the by product is water and carbon dioxide.
Q. Is the bacteria in Oil Sponge harmful to people in any way?
A. No, all Oil Sponge bacteria are Class 1, ATCC-certified bacteria (www.atcc.org) and are non-carcinogenic, non-hazardous and non-mutating. Bacteria are produced by a leading microbial manufacturing fermentation facility in the United States which has developed proprietary technologies related to the bioremediation and enzyme industry.
Q. What do the bacteria produce after they digest a hydrocarbon?
A. Bacteria produce carbon dioxide gas and water. This same gas is what makes the small pockets in bread and pizza dough.
Q. I thought all bacteria were bad?
A. Bacteria occur naturally in our body and without them we would not be able to enjoy most of our favorite foods like, bread, pizza, beer, yogurt, cheese and the list goes on.
Q. Can you see the bacteria in the product?
A. Bacteria/microorganisms/active cultures are microscopic! Without a microscope they are impossible to see. Millions of bacteria may be present on the tip of a pin!
Q. How do I know they exist in the product?
A. Products are tested regularly to make sure the bacteria is what is advertise and all finished products go through a QA/QC process prior to leaving the manufacturing plant.
Q. What nutrients naturally occur in Oil Sponge?
A. Ammonium sulphate is produced during the processing of the raw material. Ammonium sulphate is now the most widely used synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. It is manufactured in large quantities from ammonia(NH3), produced by the Haber process, and sulphuric acid (H2SO4), produced by the contact process. Conversion Formula 2NH3 + H2SO4→(NH4)2SO4.
Q. Can you bio-remediate acids?
A. Acids are harmful to bacteria and will kill them.
Q. Can the bacteria digest synthetic oils?
A. No, synthetic motor oils are not digestible by bacteria.
Q. Can bacteria digest heavy metals found in motor oil?
A. No, heavy metals are not digestible.