Marina uses bacteria to reduce hydrocarbon residue

Marina Ibiza has partnered with La Alternative Eco to become the first marina in Spain to use Bio-Box, a system which uses a 100% natural bacteria based product capable of digesting hydrocarbons.

The company says that in the event of a fuel spill in the marina, the microscopic living organisms in the Bio-Box will help return the water to its purity and transparency without damaging the environment with toxic substances.

“This product is based on microorganisms composed of enzymes and bacteria,” says Mirko Abbruzzese, co-founder of La Alternativa Eco and distributor of Bio-Box in Spain.

“The enzymes are responsible for breaking down the molecular chain (in this case, the hydrocarbon enzymes) by making them smaller, so the bacteria can digest them by transforming them into CO2 and clean water, without leaving residues.”

The system consists of a hose that runs from a container along the pontoon and into the water, dripping bacteria into the water at a set frequency, while an air pump siphons oxygen into the water to activate the bacteria and begin the process. Once active, the microorganisms generate a natural foam which is said to gradually fade away, leaving the water crystal-clear and without an oily surface.

The dormant bacteria are stored in a specially built box, decorated to provide relevant information on its operation in order to raise awareness among marina users.

Emphasising that the bacteria are a 100% organic bioremediation solution in the event of contamination, Abbruzzese continues: “There’s a widespread belief in the yachting industry that the right thing to do in the event of a spill is to throw a popular washing-up liquid into the water because it has a dispersing effect, but this product is harmful to marine flora and fauna, and has a long-lasting effect on the marine environment.”

Marina Ibiza will closely monitor the results of this new system, which has been installed at a point in the marina where, due to its proximity to the fuel station, spills and dirt tend to build up.