Oppenheimer Formula I

Degrades fossil-fuel hydrocarbons in soil and water environments.

For use in the biological remediation of hydrocarbon- and solvent-impacted land environments, The Oppenheimer Formula I supports the natural breakdown of petroleum contaminants, agricultural chemical residues, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil while helping restore balanced microbial activity. Ideal for fuel-contaminated sites, soil remediation, agricultural land recovery, and environmentally impacted properties.

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Product Overview

Oppenheimer Formula I™ is a specialized consortium of naturally occurring aerobic and microaerophilic archaea microorganisms sourced from diverse global environments. Each microbial strain is selected for its strong biochemical and physical affinity for hydrocarbons. This natural process relies on microbial processes to destroy organic contaminants, degrade and decompose organic matter in contaminated soils and water systems.

These microbial communities are capable of metabolizing and recycling a broad spectrum of hydrocarbon compounds, converting them into non-toxic end products through natural biochemical pathways. The formulation’s inherent hydrophobic properties and affinity for hydrocarbons help to ensure that the microbial population migrates with the contaminant (once it has direct contact) through the subsurface or aquatic environments, maintaining continuous remediation activity.

Product Characteristics

Physical Form

Brown/Gray Powder

Product Base

Mineral Matrix, Corn Starch or Water Soluble

Microbial Type

Natural communities of aerobic and microaerophilic microorganisms, including Archaea, facultative bacteria and fungi.

Microbial Concentration

High

Optimal Activity Range

Temperature: 32°F–120°F
pH: 5.0–10.0
Salinity: up to 24%

Activation Water Types

Fresh, Salt, Brackish (non-chlorinated recommended)

Shelf Life

5+ Years

PF Certification

Pathogen-Free Certified

Hydrophobic Behavior

Hydrophobic — Prefers to adhere to hydrocarbons

Genetic Status

Non-GMO

Other

Not Freeze Dried. Non-Toxic. Can be safely
used around humans, animals, wildlife, sensitive marshlands.

Product Description

Key Benefits

  • Broad-spectrum contaminant support: Promotes the biological breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons, fuel residues, agricultural chemicals, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil
  • Restores soil biological balance: Supports healthy microbial activity and helps rebuild natural soil function after contamination
  • Effective in real-world conditions: Performs across a wide range of environmental and soil conditions when properly applied
  • Non-toxic & environmentally responsible: Non-GMO microbial solution with no harsh chemicals or synthetic additives
  • Supports long-term site recovery: Works within the soil ecosystem to promote sustained contaminant reduction and environmental restoration
  • Flexible application: Suitable for fuel-contaminated land, hydrocarbon-impacted soils, agricultural remediation, and solvent-affected environments

How it Works

The Oppenheimer Formula I uses a specialized consortium of beneficial microbes to biologically break down petroleum hydrocarbons, agricultural chemical residues, and certain chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil. Once introduced into the treatment area and activated by moisture and oxygen, these microbes attach to organic contaminants and begin converting them into simpler, less harmful compounds through natural metabolic processes.

In hydrocarbon-impacted soils, the microbes utilize petroleum compounds as an energy source, supporting progressive contaminant reduction and helping restore balanced soil biology. In chlorinated solvent environments, microbial activity supports controlled biological transformation pathways that assist in reducing contaminant concentrations when proper site conditions are maintained. Through these natural processes, Formula I works within the soil ecosystem to support safe, effective, and sustainable environmental remediation.

Ideal For

  • Fossil fuel hydrocarbon contamination in land environments (oil fields, pipelines, storage areas, and spill sites)
  • Hydrocarbon-impacted soil remediation and fuel-contaminated properties
  • Agricultural and land remediation, including recovery of biologically impacted soils
  • Pesticide and herbicide residue reduction in soil environments
  • Chlorinated hydrocarbon and solvent-impacted soil under appropriate biological treatment conditions

Works On

Petroleum Fuels

  • Fossil Fuel Hydrocarbons
  • Crude Oil
  • Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • Kerosene
  • Marine Fuels
  • Heating Oils

Lubricants & Oil

  • Motor Oils
  • Hydraulic Fluids

Industrial Chemicals

  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Chlorinated Solvents

Special Applications

  • Waste Drill Cuttings
  • Wastewater

Safety & Environmental Compliance

The Oppenheimer Formula I is a non-toxic, non-GMO microbial solution designed for safe use in environmental remediation applications. The product does not meet OSHA criteria for hazardous classification and contains no harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. Microbial components are classified as low-risk (Class 1) and have not been associated with safety concerns when handled properly.

Formula I is stable and non-reactive under normal conditions and may be safely used around humans, animals, wildlife, and sensitive environments when applied as directed. Standard good industrial hygiene practices are recommended during handling, including minimizing dust generation and avoiding inhalation of fine particles.

The Oppenheimer Formula is listed on the U.S. EPA National Contingency Plan (NCP) Product Schedule; this listing confirms required data submission to the EPA but does not constitute approval, certification, or authorization for use on an oil discharge.

For best performance and safety, maintain appropriate environmental conditions, avoid exposure to excessive chlorine or antimicrobial agents, and follow all recommended application and storage guidelines.

Usage Instructions

Application Method

Step 1 - Apply: Evenly distribute product over contaminated area; can be applied dry or wet.

Step 2 - Activate: Add ~10% water (fresh, salt, or brackish). Rainfall acceptable; Upon contact microbes bind to hydrocarbons and remain.

Step 3 - Integrate: For depths >6 inches, mix or rake to ensure microbial contact with hydrocarbons (critical for success).

Recommended Application Rates

Environment

Rate

Notes

Soil

3oz. (100 g) per cubic yard or 27 sq yards

Mix in contaminated soil

Enclosed Water Systems

3oz. (100 g) per 200 gallons

Activate with water

Open Water (Immediate Spill)

1lb per 42-gal barrel

Apply at source

Open Water (Spread Spill)

10lbs per acre

For distributed slicks

Important Considerations

⚠ Please read before using product.

Contact between the product and whatever compound it's recycling or degrading is essential, without direct contact the microbes will not work.

Heavy metals not degraded; microbes may chelate them into non-reactive forms

Chlorine concentrations >0.5 ppm are toxic; keep below 0.2 ppm.

Acceptable starting TPH Ranges:
• Hydrocarbons: up to 60,000 ppm (6%)
• Pesticides/Herbicides: up to 1,000 ppm
• PCBs: up to 100 ppm

Supplemental oxygen and bio-nutrients may be needed depending on site conditions

Reapplication may be required for high starting TPH.

Product Documentation

Download important product documents below. Don't see what you're looking for? Check our Resource Center

Description Download
Oppenheimer Formula I - Technical Data Sheet Download TDS (PDF)
Oppenheimer Formula I - Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Download SDS (PDF)
Oppenheimer Biotechnology - Degradable Compounds List Download (PDF)

What does The Oppenheimer Formula I do?

The Oppenheimer Formula I is a biological remediation solution that supports the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons, agricultural chemical residues, and certain chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil. It works by enhancing microbial activity to help reduce contaminant concentrations and restore balanced soil biology.

Where can The Oppenheimer Formula I be used?

Formula I is designed for land-based environmental remediation, including hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, fuel spill sites, agricultural land recovery, pesticide and herbicide residue in soil, and chlorinated solvent-impacted soil under appropriate biological treatment conditions.

How does The Oppenheimer Formula I work?

The product contains a specialized consortium of naturally occurring microbes that attach to organic contaminants and metabolize them through natural biological processes, gradually converting them into simpler, less harmful compounds while supporting restoration of the soil ecosystem.

Is The Oppenheimer Formula I safe to use?

Yes. Formula I is non-toxic, non-GMO, and pathogen-free. It does not meet OSHA criteria for hazardous classification and can be safely used around humans, animals, wildlife, and sensitive environments when applied as directed.

What contaminants can it treat?

Formula I supports the biological breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons (crude oil, gasoline, diesel, fuels, lubricants), certain agricultural chemicals (pesticides and herbicides), and specific chlorinated hydrocarbons under appropriate environmental conditions.

How much product should be applied?

Typical soil application guidance is approximately 3 oz (100 g) per cubic yard of contaminated soil. Actual dosing may vary depending on contamination levels, soil conditions, and remediation goals. Repeat applications may be required for higher contamination levels.

Does The Oppenheimer Formula I remove heavy metals?

No. Heavy metals are not degraded biologically. However, microbial activity may help stabilize or bind certain metals into less reactive forms. Separate remediation methods may be required for heavy-metal contamination.

What conditions help the product work best?

Optimal performance occurs when the microbes have direct contact with contaminants and when adequate moisture, oxygen, and nutrients are present. Extremely high chlorine levels or antimicrobial chemicals may inhibit microbial activity.

How long does remediation take?

Timeframes vary depending on contaminant type, concentration, soil conditions, temperature, and oxygen availability. Biological remediation is a progressive process, and heavily impacted sites may require multiple applications over time.

How should The Oppenheimer Formula I be stored?

Store sealed in a cool, dry location away from moisture and direct sunlight. The product has a shelf life of 5+ years when stored properly.

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