Many methods exist for removing oil from water. Oil skimmers are capable of removing the bulk of oil from wastewater applications. While helping industry meet government requirements for water discharge, oil skimmers also save coolant, conserve parts-wash water, prevent clogging, and reduce disposal costs.

Where water purity requirements are especially high, skimming alone is often not enough to attain safe and acceptable pure-water levels. One method for removing residual oil is the use of oil-eating bacteria. Such bacteria are categorized as Class 1 organisms, which means they are naturally occurring, nonpathogenic, and will not cause disease in a compromised host. The bacteria degrade trace oils and work best in conjunction with a bulk oil removal system.

However, the problems with traditional methods for administering the bacteria are cost and complexity. For instance, the bacteria had to be purchased separately, nutrients added to the water, and pH levels checked constantly.

To avoid these problems, oil-eating bacteria now come in the form of a puck, which can be simply tossed into a contaminated area along with the proper nutrients. Running water activates the bacteria in the pucks. Because the bacteria require oxygen, they don't work in stagnant tanks. However, in extreme conditions, aeration with a blower or turbulence may be needed to provide the requisite oxygen supply. A single puck can usually treat a 1,000 gal tank with a constant flow of water for 6 months. The bacteria in the pucks can degrade a range of hydrocarbons including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, motor oil, heating oil, lubricating oil, crude oil, and paraffin, among others.

In order for the bacteria to degrade hydrocarbon, they require a pH of between 6 and 8. Degradation effects suffer and the bacteria are not very effective in pH of less than 6 or greater than 8.5. For optimum results, pH levels should be relatively neutral between 7 and 7.5. The ideal temperature range is between 70 and 80 deg F.