Orlen using new technology to minimize harmful gases

PKN Orlen announced that it is testing an innovative technology in which unpleasant and potentially-toxic gases in sewage are eliminated by naturally occurring bacteria, the Polish press reported on Wednesday. At their manufacturing plant in Płock, testing has begun in which the gases are subjected to biodegradable compounds that occur in selected bacteria, the press release from the company said. According to the statement, “[with] the method used, the air cleaning efficiency can reach up to 99 percent, and allows for complete decomposition of pollutants of carbon dioxide and water. The process takes place in a specially designed bioreactor, which creates optimum conditions for the development and action of microorganisms. As a result, microorganisms can work faster, yield more air-cleaning compounds and create significantly different conditions than [they would] in natural processes.” The company also said that after the test is completed the results will be analyzed by experts. If it is successful, the technology could be exported to minimize environmental degradation from toxic gases in other regions. PKN Orlen’s director of environmental protection, Arkadiusz Kaminski, said, “We hope that the technology using microorganisms proves to be effective and corresponding to conditions of our plant.” If the technology proves to be successful, Orlen said, it will construct a new reactor designed for the purpose of eliminating the gases on a large scale.