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V.R.A. Doucet

IRON-EATING BACTERIA

IRON OCHRE

A beautiful house can hide an iron ochre problem. This is a growing reality due to soil acidification! Acid rains affect the soil pH which can trigger the growth of bacteria. Some soils at risk may then start to induce bacteria proliferation. With such iron fixing bacteria, a nice basement can quickly become a nightmare…

Moisture hidden under surfaces furthers deterioration of the framing timber, destroys the floors and provides an ideal environment for growth and proliferation of mold sometimes very toxic for those living in the house. Decontamination is often tremendously expensive, no matter the cost related to excavation and replacement of the footing (French) drain.

 

PROBLEM

The whole phenomenon starts up in gravel surrounding the drain when a soil is rich in iron.

When exposed to oxygen in the footing (French) drain filled with water containing iron, a ferruginous bacterium reacts with the ferrous iron (FE +2) through an oxidation process that induces the change to ferric iron (FE +3) which is insoluble (ochre deposits). As a result, a rust-coloured or greenish (manganese deposits due to bacterial activity) viscous iron slime gel (iron deposits mixed with bacteria) is created that clogs the drain and prevents the water to flow. Since the drain does not depress anymore the groundwater level, it creates a pressure under the basement floor.

 

THE IRON OCHRE IS NOW A CONTROLLABLE REALITY!

A SOLUTION FOR A PREVENTIVE AND EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE IS NOW AVAILABLE.

THIS MAINTENANCE SOLUTION IS OFFERED TO YOU AS OF TODAY AND ALLOWS YOU TO PRESERVE THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY.

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