Unlocking the Potential for Petroleum Biodegradation with QuantArray®-Petro

Comprehensive evaluation of biodegradation potential at petroleum impacted sites can by challenging due to two factors: (1) Petroleum products are complex mixtures of hundreds of aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic and heterocyclic compounds. (2) Even for common classes of contaminants like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), biodegradation can proceed by a multitude of pathways. Microbial Insights Inc.’s QuantArray^®-Petro analysis cost-effectively addresses both of these issues and provides a valuable line of evidence to optimize site management.

Comprehensive Insights, Enhanced Solutions

QuantArray^®-Petro is designed to address the intricacies of petroleum biodegradation. Petroleum products consist of a diverse mix of compounds, and the biodegradation pathways can be numerous. This technology overcomes these challenges by quantifying specific functional genes associated with both aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, including BTEX PAHs, alkanes, and fuel oxygenates.

The Power of Hybrid Technology

QuantArray^®-Petro harnesses the power of hybrid technology, combining the parallel detection capabilities of DNA microarrays with the precision of qPCR. This integration, along with nanoliter fluidics for low-volume, solution-phase qPCR, enables the simultaneous quantification of different gene targets. The result is a more in-depth and cost-effective assessment of the microbiology at a site, providing valuable insights for decision-making.

Elevating Site Assessment

When integrated with chemical and geochemical data from groundwater monitoring programs, QuantArray^®-Petro empowers site managers to comprehensively evaluate the potential for petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation. By analyzing a range of microorganism and functional genes through multiple aerobic and anaerobic pathways, this technology offers a clearer and more comprehensive perspective on the potential for contaminant biodegradation:

• During baseline or MNA sampling events, compare results from impacted monitoring wells to background concentrations. Higher concentrations of key functional genes in impacted monitoring wells indicates growth of contaminant degraders within the dissolved plume and the potential for biodegradation.
• For sites undergoing enhanced bioremediation, compare results for baseline and post-treatment samples to evaluate remedy effectiveness.

Looking Ahead to Greener Remediation

QuantArray^®-Petro from Microbial Insights Inc. marks a significant leap forward in petroleum biodegradation assessment. With its ability to decode complex biodegradation pathways, this technology promises more effective site management and a greener, healthier future for our environment.

To learn more about QuantArray^®-Petro, go to https://microbe.com/quantarray/. Connect with Microbial Insights today at info@microbe.com or (865) 573-8188.