Oppenheimer Formula IV

Degrades fossil-fuel hydrocarbons in soil and water environments.

For use in hydrocarbon-impacted soil remediation, The Oppenheimer Formula IV supports the natural biological breakdown of petroleum fuels, heavy oils, and industrial hydrocarbon contaminants in soil while helping restore balanced microbial activity. Ideal for fuel-contaminated land, industrial sites, and environmentally impacted soils requiring effective biological treatment.

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$125.00
$125.00
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Product Overview

Oppenheimer Formula IV™ is a specialized consortium of naturally occurring aerobic and microaerophilic 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

Light Gray Powder

Product Base

Mineral Matrix

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

  • Targeted hydrocarbon remediation: Supports the biological breakdown of petroleum fuels, heavy oils, and complex hydrocarbon residues in contaminated soil
  • Works with natural soil biology: Promotes balanced microbial activity and helps restore healthy soil function after contamination
  • Effective on complex hydrocarbons: Supports reduction of heavier oils, sludge residues, and persistent hydrocarbon compounds in soil environments
  • 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
  • Reliable in real-world conditions: Performs across a wide range of soil and environmental conditions when properly applied

How it Works

The Oppenheimer Formula IV uses a specialized consortium of naturally occurring microbes to biologically break down petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy oil residues in contaminated soil. Once introduced into the treatment area and activated by moisture and oxygen, these microbes attach to hydrocarbon compounds and begin converting them into simpler, non-toxic substances through natural metabolic processes.

As the microbes utilize hydrocarbons as an energy source, they help reduce contaminant concentrations while supporting restoration of balanced soil biology. The formulation’s hydrophobic properties help maintain contact with hydrocarbons in the soil matrix, allowing continuous biological activity and supporting effective, long-term remediation under proper environmental conditions.

Ideal For

  • Hydrocarbon-impacted soil remediation
  • Fuel-contaminated land and spill sites
  • Heavy oil and sludge contamination in soil
  • Industrial and environmental soil cleanup
  • Sites requiring biological treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon residues

Works On

Hydrocarbons Fuels

  • Fossil Fuel Hydrocarbons
  • Crude Oil
  • Diesel, Gasoline, Jet Fuel
  • Heavy Oils (Bunker Oils, Residual Oils)
  • Waste Oil & Sludge

Industrial Contaminants

  • BTEX Compounds
  • PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
  • Organic Acids & Industrial Organics

Safety & Environmental Compliance

The Oppenheimer Formula IV 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. The microbial components are classified as low-risk (Class 1) and have not been associated with safety concerns when handled properly.

Formula IV 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 product is not classified as environmentally hazardous and is designed to support natural biological processes in soil. However, large or uncontrolled releases should be avoided, and all disposal should follow applicable local and regulatory requirements.

For best performance and safety, keep the product dry prior to use, avoid exposure to excessive chlorine or antimicrobial agents that may inhibit microbial activity, and follow all recommended handling, storage, and application guidelines.

Usage Instructions

Application Methods

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 the 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

Rates

Notes

Soil

12oz. (100 g) per cubic yard or 27 sq yards

Mix in contaminated soil

Enclosed Water Systems

12oz. (100 g) per 200 gallons

Activate with Water

Open Water (Immediate Spill)

4lb per 42-gal barrel

Apply at Source

Open Water (Spread Spill)

40lbs per acre

For Distributed Slicks

Important Considerations

⚠ Please read before using product.

Contact between the product and the material it’s recycling 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 IV - Technical Data Sheet (TDS) Download TDS (PDF)
Oppenheimer Formula IV - Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Download SDS (PDF)
Oppenheimer Biotechnology - Degradable Compounds List Download (PDF)

What does The Oppenheimer Formula IV do?

The Oppenheimer Formula IV is a biological remediation solution designed to support the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy oil residues in contaminated soil. It enhances microbial activity to help reduce contaminant concentrations and restore balanced soil biology.

Where can The Oppenheimer Formula IV be used?

Formula IV is intended for hydrocarbon-impacted soil remediation, including fuel-contaminated land, heavy oil and sludge in soil, and industrial or environmentally impacted soil requiring biological treatment.

How does The Oppenheimer Formula IV work?

The product contains a specialized consortium of naturally occurring microbes that attach to hydrocarbon compounds and metabolize them through natural biological processes, converting them into simpler, non-toxic substances while supporting restoration of the soil ecosystem.

What contaminants can it treat?

Formula IV supports the biological breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons including crude oil, diesel, gasoline, heavy oils, waste oil, sludge, BTEX compounds, and other hydrocarbon residues in soil.

Is The Oppenheimer Formula IV safe to use?

Yes. Formula IV is non-toxic, non-GMO, and contains low-risk (Class 1) microbial populations. It does not meet OSHA criteria for hazardous classification and can be safely used when handled according to recommended guidelines.

How much product should be applied?

Typical soil application guidance is approximately 12 oz (100 g) per cubic yard of contaminated soil. Actual dosing may vary depending on contamination level, soil conditions, and remediation goals.

Does Formula IV remove heavy metals?

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

What conditions help the product work best?

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

How long does remediation take?

Remediation time varies based on hydrocarbon type, contamination level, soil conditions, temperature, and oxygen availability. Biological remediation is a progressive process, and heavily impacted soils may require multiple applications over time.

How should The Oppenheimer Formula IV 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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