Supercharging Mother Nature - 100% natural, hardy and fast-acting microbes that have an affinity for oil
NOTE: Ultra-Archaea (pronounced ar-KEE-uh) used to be called Ultra-Microbes. They are one and the same. Only the name has changed. Learn more.
What is the best way to clean up oil spills after they occur? Nature has this down to a science. Wherever there is a natural oil seepage on the earth, nature has placed oil-degrading microorganisms into that environment. Nature is able to clean up after itself, but it takes time. It’s a slow, natural healing process—nature’s own pollution control.
The problem is that mankind now puts far more hydrocarbon pollution into the environment than nature can quickly remove. UltraTech has a 100% natural way of speeding up nature. By adding Ultra-Archaea to a contaminated environment, we can speed up the rate of natural degradation and help the bioremediation process occur in days and weeks rather than months or years.
For a more detailed look at Ultra-Archaea, its applications, and case studies, please visit Ultra-Archaea.com.
All About Ultra-Archaea
Where do they come from?
Ultra-Archaea is an archaea-based collection of over one hundred different species of microbes that are cultivated from rugged environments such as undersea vents or sites where there is volcanic activity. They are then cultivated with crude oil as the only food source. Therefore they grow on thousands of organic compounds from benzene to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. 100% natural. Odors are eliminated within a few hours to a day.
The result is 100% natural, hardy and fast-acting microbes that have an affinity for oil and other hydrocarbons, as well as organic waste. This specific collection of microbes (Ultra-Archaea) has not been genetically altered or engineered. These naturally occurring microbes have been on the EPA National Contingency List since its inception.
Practical Applications
Microbes are not just for oil spills—here are some other known applications:
- Waste Water Treatment Plant — Industrial (refineries, pulp mills, chemical
plants, steel mills, textile plants) - Waste Water Treatment Plant — Municipal (collection systems, food processing)
- Plumbing Maintenance — sinks, grease traps
- Spill Control
- Septic Tanks
- Odor Control
- Bioremediation — soil, water, stormwater
- Agriculture/Aquaculture — eliminating ammonia, stormwater
- Oily Water — oil/water separators, containment sumps, lagoons
- RV and boat black water holding tanks
- Bilges of boats
Ultra-Archaea Finish First In BP Report
In 2011, Louisiana State University conducted testing at the request of British Petroleum, Ltd. (BP). The mission was to conduct tests using bioremediation products listed on the USEPA National Contingency Plan Product List (NCPPL) with weathered crude oil deposited on marsh and sands in Bay Jimmy, Louisiana.
Of the ten products on the USEPA National Contingency Plan Product List (NCPPL) that were tested, the Formula used to make the Ultra-Archaea finished first. This data clearly suggested that the Ultra-Archaea have the capability to quickly degrade all hydrocarbon products and reduce or eliminate the toxic conditions of an oil spill.
Click here for more information or to download the report or click here for an analytical data summary of the information.
Ultra-Archaea Application Methods
Ultra-Archaea speeds up the rate of natural degradation and helps the bioremediation process occur in days and weeks rather than months or years. Ultra-Archaea will digest hydrocarbon molecules and break them down into harmless byproducts of carbon, carbon dioxide, and lipids.
Ultra-Archaea – Shakers
- Ultra-Archaea is housed in a bentonite clay powder that provides the slightly moist environment needed for them to live.
- Two sizes of shakers available for application on smaller spills or contained areas.
- Resealable/waterproof containers keep microbes dry/dormant until they are needed.
Ultra-Archaea – Water Soluble Packets
- 4 oz. water-soluble packets can be thrown into oil/water separators, catch basins, grease traps, and other areas to facilitate oil and grease removal.
- Small size, big results — no measuring, scooping, or spreading. Simply place the entire packet into the area that needs to be cleaned. The water-soluble packet will dissolve and allow the Ultra-Archaea to spread throughout the area.
Ultra-Archaea – Bulk Bags
- Bulk bags (25 lbs.) are available for large spills, open water applications, or frequent use areas.
- Keep on hand for refilling Shakers or other smaller containers or for large, unexpected spills.
Ultra-Archaea -Tablets
- High concentration of Archaea (20 billion per gram)
- Easy to break up and flush or drain – Simple to use
- 12-pack of tubes, 24 tablets per tube
Ultra-Archaea – Booms
- Specially-treated polyethylene (LLDPE) foam used in Ultra-Archaea Booms allows it to float on the water’s surface while also absorbing oil.
- Microbe tablets (6) are inserted into slits in the foam sleeves — extended water contact causes the tablets to slowly dissolve, releasing the microbes into the water.
- Booms can be dropped in, or tied off in catch basins (lanyards included), oil/ water separators or other areas where oily water can collect.
- Dimensions: 6″ x 4″ x 1″ (152mm x 102mm x 25mm).
- Sold in 6-packs.
Part # | Model | Weight lbs. (kg) | Quantity |
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5238 | Shakers | .5 (.2) | 1 Shaker |
5239 | Shakers | 2 (.9) | 1 Shaker |
5232 | Water Soluble Packets (6 per box) | 1 (.5) | 1 Box of 6 Packets |
5233 | Bulk Bag | 25 (11.3) | 1 Bag |
5234 | Mini Boom, 6-Pack | 2 (.9) | 1 Box of 6 Booms |
5257 | Bulk Bag - 90-billion, Sugar | 25 lbs (11kg) | 1 Bag |
5252 | 12-pack | 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg) | 12-Pack (24 Tablets per Pack) |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is bioremediation?
Bioremediation refers to any method that uses microorganisms to break down organic materials.
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What exactly are Ultra-Archaea microbes?
Ultra-Archaea microbes are microorganisms that have been collected from natural water and soil sources around the world. They are selected for their particular affinity for consuming hydrocarbon-based pollutants and organic material and are cultivated in a way that maximized the speed at which they consume these pollutants.
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How do they work?
Ultra-Archaea will digest hydrocarbon molecules and break them down into harmless byproducts of water, carbon dioxide and lipids (a natural, soluble fatty material that is food for fish and plants). The more complex the hydrocarbon, the longer this process may take (for example, kerosene and diesel will be consumed more quickly than motor oil). This naturally occurring process is supercharged by adding these specific microbes to any oil spill or contaminated area (see list of known applications in the table below). It infuses as many as 5 billion microbes per gram into an oil spill, greasy catch basin, oil/water separator, etc. and within hours these microbes have reproduced from billions per gram to trillions. With water, oxygen and an organic food source (such as oil) these microbes will form vast colonies and digest and remediate oil on land and on water, as well as grease traps, septic tanks, storm drains and almost any other area where contaminants are present.
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What happens to them when the microbes are “done” consuming contaminates?
After approximately ninety days or when the microbes have been deprived of water, oxygen, or a food source, the microbe colony will begin to naturally die off, allowing the indigenous microbes to return to pre-contamination levels.
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How is Ultra-Archaea shipped?
The Ultra-Archaea is shipped dormant in a bentonite-clay-based carrier. When the carrier dissolves in water, the microbes become activated and water may become temporarily murky due to the infusion of the clay. This is to be expected.
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Are there any special requirements for Ultra-Archaea use?
Ultra-Archaea microbes only need what most forms of life need: oxygen, water, food (hydrocarbon or organic material) and an acceptable temperature (32° – 120°F.) and pH (5.5 – 10.0).
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What are some of the advantages of the use of Ultra-Archaea?
- Completely natural, Ultra-Archaea is a “green” solution.
- Can eliminate the need for absorbent products & their disposal problems/costs.
- Can be used to clean up oil spills on water, in soil, or on hard surfaces and can even be used to remove old stains in asphalt or concrete.
- A very small volume of microbes is needed compared to the area being treated.
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What happens to the microbes after the oil, fuel or organic material has been consumed?
The Ultra-Archaea microbes will either die, return to former natural concentration levels, or be eaten by other organisms. The microbes have an effective lifespan of approximately three months. Once Ultra-Archaea microbes have died off, indigenous microbes will return to pre-contamination levels.
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What are the final by-products after the microbes consume hydrocarbons?
Carbon dioxide, water, trace carbon, and lipids (white fatty acids). The lipids are actually a source of food for larger organisms and vegetative life.
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How rapidly do Ultra-Archaea work?
The Ultra-Archaea begin working immediately, once activated by saltwater or freshwater and a food source. Remediation times vary from several hours to several weeks depending on the type and concentration of the hydrocarbon or organic food source. For example, light fuels floating on water will be gone within a few hours. Heavy crude oil in soil will require several months.
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Do the Ultra-Archaea have a shelf life?
Yes, Ultra-Archaea has a 5-year shelf life. Once the Ultra-Archaea microbes are activated, they will continue to work for up to three months before they begin to die off and another dose needs to be applied.
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Is it safe to use Ultra-Archaea?
Yes, the product is 100% environmentally safe, non-toxic, and contain no pathogens.
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Are the microbes dangerous to my health?
No, microbes are found everywhere in the environment and are the original recyclers of organic materials. The average human adult carries approximately 3 lbs. of microbes on and in the body.
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What happens if I ingest or inhale the products?
It will taste like mud and could make you sneeze, but it is non-toxic and non-pathogenic.
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What is the suggested concentration of Ultra-Archaea to water?
How much pollutant in the water or soil will determine how often Ultra-Archaea need to be reapplied and how long it will take for full remediation. But in most cases, the information below is a good starting point.
For initial application:
- 1 lb of Ultra-Archaea mixed into a 55 Gallon drum of water will cover 200 sq ft of water.
- 1 lb of Ultra-Archaea mixed with 1 gallon of water will treat 1 cubic yard of soil.
Reapply as needed based on any test results. If needed, increase amount applied or apply more frequently. Do not allow the treatment site to dry completely.
If results are not noticeable within a few days of the first treatment, reapplication frequency or quantity can be increased.
A sheen of oil on water might take a day or two to clear up. Areas with heavy contamination will take longer to fully remediate, and in the worst cases (contaminated areas that have been untouched for years) could take weeks or months for significant results.
Once the Ultra-Archaea begin to work with acceptable speed and results, continue applying new Ultra-Archaea every 4-6 weeks until full remediation has occurred.
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What else do I need to know?
Ultra-Archaea products should be stored and applied between 40°F and 120°F. Temperatures outside that range may cause the microbes to become ineffective. Ultra-Archaea should not be exposed to radiation. Ultra-Archaea should only be used in applications where the pH is between 5.5 and 9.5.
Flyers
Technical Information
Instructions
This product may not address any specific regulations but if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
Additional Product Information
Uniform Product Codes (UPCs)
- UPC 808416052381 Ultra-Archaea Shakers (Part #5238)
- UPC 808416052398 Ultra-Archaea Shakers (Part #5239)
- UPC 808416052329 Ultra-Archaea Water Soluble Packets (6 per box) (Part #5232)
- UPC 808416052336 Ultra-Archaea Bulk Bag (Part #5233)
- UPC 808416052343 Ultra-Microbe Boom Mini Boom, 6-Pack (Part #5234)
- UPC 5257 - Archaea Bulk Bag - 90-billion, Sugar (Part #5257)
- UPC 808416052527 5252 Archaea Tablets (12-Pack) 12-pack (Part #5252)