Latest news with #SpillDigester
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Microorganisms used to clear dangerous fuel spillages on roads across Essex
Microorganisms are being used to clear fuel spillages on roads across Essex. Essex Highways is one of the first authorities to use microbiology for this purpose. The traditional method of using sand and other absorbent materials can lead to road closures lasting between three and six hours, depending on the size of the spill. However, the new method, known as the Fuel Spill Digester, offers a more eco-friendly solution. The method uses natural bacteria and enzymes to quickly "eat" fuel, oils, and solvents spilled on roads. The microorganisms are sprayed onto a spill, where the enzymes break down the fuel's harmful components while bacteria digest them. Microorganisms consume a fuel spillage and render it non-flammable (Image: Essex County Council) This transforms the dangerous and slippery fuel into water within minutes. Roads can be reopened to traffic within an hour, dependent on the size of the spillage. Essex County Council is one of the first local authorities to adopt this method. Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for highways, infrastructure, and sustainable transport at Essex County Council, said: "Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic because of fuel spills which can take hours to clean. "This new biological solution can get roads up and running much faster, while also ensuring we protect the environment without the need to dispose of contaminated absorbents. "Fuel Spill Digestor is a smart way to make the highways of Essex safer, greener and healthier for everyone."
BBC News
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Fuel-eating bacteria used to clean up spills on Essex roads
Highway crews are using micro-organisms that can transform fuel spills into water within minutes, rendering it Highways deals with between 80 to 100 spills a year, traditionally utilising sand and absorbent materials to mop up, but such methods can close roads for three to six hours at a Spill Digester (FSD) turns hazardous fuel into water and - depending on the size of the spillage - can open the road within an substance is already used on some filling station forecourts, but Essex County Council is among the first local authorities to use it on its roads. Once the micro-organisms are poured on the fuel, enzymes break down the fuel's harmful components while bacteria digest solution has been described as an eco-friendly alternative that eliminates the need to throw away contaminated is also cheaper than traditional methods, the council has been recommended for use in areas with high levels of traffic in order to minimise disruptions. Tom Cunningham, council cabinet member for highways, said: "Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic because of fuel spills."This new biological solution can get roads up and running much faster, while also ensuring we protect the environment without the need to dispose of contaminated absorbents."Fuel Spill Digestor is a smart way to make the highways safer, greener and healthier for everyone." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
