The chemical 1,4-dioxane has been widely used for industrial chemical processes since the 1950s, and the U.S. EPA lists it as one of the most prevalent emerging contaminants and a likely human carcinogen. While there are no federal regulations governing 1,4-dioxane levels in drinking water, wastewater or other water sources,
18 states have established some degree of regulation or recommended guidelines. Regulatory pressures are also growing on a global scale, with the European Chemicals Agency adding 1,4-dioxane to its Candidate List of Hazardous Chemicals in 2021.
“The world has long been aware of the environmental and health risks associated with pervasive chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, and yet the public and private sector continue to face challenges in finding efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solutions,” said Kent Sorenson, Chief Technology Officer at Allonnia. “With today’s launch of 1,4 D-Stroy, we can now provide industrial manufacturers, state and federal municipalities, and remediation contractors with a natural solution for removing one of the most prevalent emerging contaminants from drinking water that millions of people count on every day.”
Allonnia says that the naturally-occurring organism in 1,4 D-Stroy has proven in field tests to degrade 99% of 1,4-dioxane in contaminated groundwater.
The solution requires no capital investment and is delivered onsite via a portable, 18-liter, stainless steel dispersion vessel. The returnable system is designed to dose precise amounts of the microbes to the contaminated water, where they engage with 1,4-dioxane, ingest it, and render it harmless. Initial pilot programs have taken place in Orange County, California, where Allonnia and engineering firm Stantec eliminated more than 90% of 1,4-dioxane from two contaminated wells in the span of 11 weeks.
“As we see more government attention placed on environmental remediation solutions and techniques, Allonnia is doubling down on our commitment to creating sustainable solutions for 1,4-dioxane bioremediation that can be deployed at scale,” said Chuck Price, Chief Commercial Officer, Allonnia. “Regulators and government officials can now consider solutions like this when passing environmental legislation or evaluating 1,4-dioxane limits, and private companies can reduce potential liabilities from contaminated water via a simple-to-use, natural solution.”
