Oxygen-Release Compound

Definitions

Oxygen-Release Compound - "Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) is a proprietary form of magnesium peroxide, sold by Regenesis Bioremediation Products (Regenesis). It releases oxygen slowly, to stimulate microorganisms. Research and field tests have shown that, applied correctly, ORC is successful in increasing the bioremediation of hydrocarbon contamination." - Daniels and Easterly, 2009

Oxygen-Release Compound - "ORC is a patented formulation of time-release magnesium peroxide that releases oxygen slowly when hydrated. ORC treatment represents a 'low intensity' approach to in-situ aerobic bioremediation ..." - Koenigsberg and Gillespie, 2001

Oxygen-Release Compound - "ORC [Oxygen Release Compound] was developed to clean up low levels of dissolved petroleum hydrocarbons in the subsurface. The compound is a proprietary formulation of a metal peroxide that releases oxygen slowly when placed in the ground water environment. The oxygen thus released enhances aerobic bioremediation. The product is applied to the contaminated site in retrievable filter socks." - National Research Council, 1997

Oxygen-Release Compound - "Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) is a proprietary formulation of phosphate-intercalated magnesium peroxide that, when hydrated, produces a controlled release of oxygen for periods of up to 12 months on a single application. [It's purpose is] to supply controlled-release molecular oxygen to the subsurface environment where it will accelerate the rate of naturally occurring aerobic contaminant biodegradation in groundwater and saturated soils for periods of up to 12 months on a single application." - Regenesis, 2009

Text in brackets ("[text]") are additions by the editor.

Note: Trade names and vendors are used for information purposes only and do not denote endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Related Definitions

Biodegradation

Aerobic Biodegradation

Natural Attentuation

Fenton's Reagent

Related Headlines

• Using Oxygen to Enhance Biodegradation of Contaminants – Lessons Learned
• Using Oxygen to Clean Up Ground-Water Contamination

More Information on Oxygen-Release Compound

• Oxygen Release Compound (ORC®) Home Page, Regenesis
• Information on In Situ Oxidation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Technology Innovation Office

References

Daniels, M.E., and Easterly, T.W., 2009, Oxygen Release Compounds: Indiana Department of Environmental Management Technical Guidance Document.

Koenigsberg, S.S., Gillespie, R., and Mahaffey, W.R., 2001, The bioremediation of MTBE with Oxygen Release Compound (ORC), in 8th International Petroleum & Biofuels Environmental Conference, Houston, TX, November 6-9, 2001: Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium (IPEC), p. 14.

National Research Council, 1997, Innovations in ground water and soil cleanup--From concept to commercialization: Washington, D.C., National Academies Press, 310 p.

Regenesis Bioremediation Products Inc., 2009, Oxygen Release Compound (ORC®): Regenesis, access date June 27, 2011.