3DMe is perhaps the most advanced, highly-distributable electron donor in the injectable remediation products marketplace today.
Product
3DMe is an injectable electron donor emulsion that is comprised of a completely new molecular structure incorporating proven Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC®) technology with a new and unique molecule (patent pending). 3DMe is specifically designed to provide the controlled-release of a three highly efficient electron donors including lactic acid to drive the enhanced reductive dechlorination process.
Delivered on-site as a concentrated material, 3DMe is then emulsified with water forming an easy to handle and pump microemulsion with a relatively high hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB). This high HLB allows dilute 3DMe suspensions to be well distributed across contaminant plumes without high injection costs.
Purpose
3DMe produces a sequential, staged release of its electron donor components (Figure 2). This staged fermentation provides an immediate, mid-range and long-term, controlled-release supply of hydrogen (electron donor) to fuel the reductive dechlorination process.
Stage 1 - the immediately available free lactic acid (lactate) is fermented rapidly
Stage 2 - the controlled-release lactic acid (polylactate ester based portion) is metabolized at a more controlled rate
Stage 3 - the free fatty acids and fatty acid esters are converted to hydrogen over a mid to long-range timeline giving 3DMe an exceptionally long electron donor release profile

Longevity
Typical 3DMe single application longevity is rated at periods of up to 3 to 4 years. With 4 years occurring under optimal conditions, e.g. low permeability, low consumption environments.
Functionality
3DMe applications can be configured in several different ways including: grids, barriers andexcavations. The material itself can be applied to the subsurface through the use of direct-push injection, hollow-stem auger, existing wells or re-injection wells.
3DMe is typically applied in high-volumes as an emulsified, micellar suspension (microemulsion). The microemulsion is easily pumped into the subsurface and is produced on-site by mixing specified volumes of water and delivered 3DMe concentrate.
3DMe is usually applied throughout the entire vertical thickness of the determined treatment area. Once injected, the emulsified material moves out into the subsurface pore spaces forming micelles and moving via micellar transport, eventually coating most all available surfaces, these structures provide the added benefit of increased distribution via migration to areas of lower concentration. Over time the released soluble components of 3-D Microemulsion are distributed within the aquifer via the physical process of advection and the concentration driven forces of diffusion.
Product Specifications
- Delivered as an amber colored semi-viscous liquid
- After field emulsification material becomes a less viscous, watery, cream colored microemulsion
- Composition – lactic acid, glycerol, glycerol tripolylactate, neutralized fatty acids, HRC-PED
- Sequential, staged, controlled –release of (electron donors) for periods of up to 4 years
- Packaged and delivered in various quantities: 5000 gallon tankers, 2000 lb. totes, 400 lb. drums, 30 lb. PVC easy to handle buckets
- Expected shelf-life of material = 3 years
- (See detailed MSDS for full product specifications)
Field Applications
- Injectable microemulsion for source area, plume and reactive barrier applications
- Use in injection wells for maximum efficiency, distribution and cost-savings
- Use in soil mixing and excavation projects
Benefits of Use
- High volume, microemulsion application increases contact with contaminants and reduces number of injection points required for treatment (saves time and money).
- Three stage; immediate,mid-range and long-term controlled-release of lactic, organic and fatty acids for the production of hydrogen to support enhanced anaerobic biodegradation.
- Maximum subsurface distribution through micellar transport - unlike oil products, 3DMe forms micelles which are mobile in groundwater and significantly enhance electron donor distribution after injection.
- Long-term source of hydrogen to the subsurface facilitates anaerobic dechlorination for periods of up to 4 years.
- Incorporates Proven (HRC®) Technology Successfully applied on over 2,000 sites worldwide.
- Clean, low-cost, non-disruptive application (direct-push, wells and excavations)
- No Operations and Maintenance
- Faster and often lower cost than drawn out natural attenuation approaches
- Complimentary product application design and site analysis from Regenesis
Application Considerations
- Existing aerobic or anaerobic conditions
- Contaminant type and mass
- Subsurface geology (distribution)
- Depth to groundwater
- Groundwater flow rates
- Competing electron acceptors (oxygen sinks)
- Available site water for microemulsion preparation
- Free product (if present call Regenesis tech services to discuss options)