Superfund Research Program


December 2019

Microvi Biotechnologies, Inc., a Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded small business, has recently shown unprecedented removal rates of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) and co-contaminants using its co-metabolism treatment technology. TCP, which was historically used in solvents and soil fumigants, can leech into groundwater and subsequently household drinking water. It has been associated with increased risk for cancer along with various illnesses, including liver or kidney disease.

Technology Microvi's novel co-metabolism treatment technology is built on the MicroNiche Engineering (MNE) platform, which degrades hazardous organic compounds into harmless byproducts. Initial testing demonstrated that this is the first biological technology to achieve levels below 5 parts per trillion of TCP, the maximum contaminant level in California.
Innovation In contrast to conventional physical or chemical technologies, Microvi's novel enhanced co-metabolism technology degrades the hazardous organic compounds into harmless byproducts instead of producing a concentrated secondary waste stream. The technology offers significant reductions in energy and maintenance costs compared with chemical or UV oxidation. Flexibly designed as a treatment option that can be used on groundwater situated in aquifers or on water that has been removed from aquifers, this new technology offers reliable performance across a range of dynamic operating conditions to achieve simultaneous degradation of hundreds of hazardous organic compounds.
Contaminant and Media 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) in groundwater
Principal Investigator Fatemeh Shirazi, Ph.D.
Institution Microvi Biotechnologies, Inc.
Grant Number R44ES024670