Endophyte Assisted Phytoremediation (EAP)

Intrinsyx uses unique tree endophytes to inoculate trees and grasses to effectively remove and degrade contaminants in groundwater, surface water and soil. 

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The microbes were discovered and characterized by one of the field's leading academic labs, EPA-ORD USGS.  Intrinsyx has exclusive commercialization rights. Trees planted in a commercial phytoremediation system inoculated with the PD1 endophyte grew bigger, had less phytotoxicity and a 95% survival compared to uninoculated control trees having a 70% mortality rate. Willow trees in the laboratory inoculated with PD1 removed 40% more phenanthrene and survived high concentration while all controls died. Links to the relevant publications follow (ES&T ; The Remediation Journal). We can now effectively and efficiently clean polluted sites using trees at significant cost savings over conventional remediation techniques and we can outperform other phytoremediation systems. Planting of these trees has allowed for site groundwater hydrological control, and regulator approved discontinuation of costly groundwater pump and treat and soil vapor extraction systems.

Intrinsyx Environmental has numerous phytoremediation sites in the US where our chlorinated-solvent TCE degrading endophyte microbe enhanced poplar and willow trees clean contaminated groundwater plumes. The poplar trees can reach groundwater at depths of up to 30 feet alone, and by using solar powered well pumps, these 100% solar driven systems clean contaminated groundwater at any depth. Our proprietary systems have been deployed at Superfund sites, former military, industrial sites, and office parks with the review and approval of the EPA and state regulatory agencies.

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The results from this endophyte assisted phytoremediation system at the MEW Superfund Site (in Moffett Field, CA) were published in Environmental Science and Technology and in the EPA superfund tech transfer liaison newsletter, among others. Trees inoculated with the microbes internally contained a thousandfold less TCE and grew bigger were greener when compared to adjacent uninoculated trees suffering from phytotoxicity. Groundwater testing wells upstream and downstream of our phytoremediation site show that all contaminants were reduced from high levels to non-detectable levels in the shallow aquifer. Use of this PDN3 endophyte has allowed for tree establishment and survival on sites with very high TCE levels. Links to the relevant publications follow (ES&T ; AEM)

We offer the full spectrum of environmental remediation services

By working with the field's leading researchers, we can use the right combination of unique microbes and plant cultivars to deliver the most effective phytoremediation systems.

Site Assessment and Charactization

Project Planning and Sampling

Endophyte-assisted Phytoremediation

Biological Monitoring and Site Closure