Fuel-eating bacteria clears oil spills on roads

Micro-organisms consume a fuel spillage and render it non-flammable

Highway crews are using micro-organisms that can transform fuel spills into water within minutes, rendering it non-flammable.

Essex Highways deals with between 80 to 100 spills a year, traditionally utilising sand and absorbent materials to mop up, but such methods can close roads for three to six hours at a time.

Fuel Spill Digester (FSD) turns hazardous fuel into water and - depending on the size of the spillage - can open the road within an hour.

The substance is already used on some filling station forecourts, but Essex County Council is among the first local authorities to use it on its roads.

Fuel can remain flammable with traditional clearing materials like sand

Once the micro-organisms are poured on the fuel, enzymes break down the fuel's harmful components while bacteria digest them.

This solution has been described as an eco-friendly alternative that eliminates the need to throw away contaminated absorbents.

It is also cheaper than traditional methods, the council says.

FSD has been recommended for use in areas with high levels of traffic in order to minimise disruptions.

The "blend of microbes, enzymes and natural nutrients" comes in liquid form

Tom Cunningham, council cabinet member for highways, said: "Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic because of fuel spills.

"This new biological solution can get roads up and running much faster, while also ensuring we protect the environment without the need to dispose of contaminated absorbents.

"Fuel Spill Digestor is a smart way to make the highways safer, greener and healthier for everyone."