Biowaste is being tested as an environmentally friendly way of cleaning soil at old gas stations.

University of Saskatchewan soil scientist Derek Peak say microbes have the ability to use hydrocarbons as an energy source but are limited by the amount of phosphorous in the soil.

New compounds will be developed using converted biowaste from cattle processing plants. It is hoped these new additives can trap and remove petroleum hydrocarbons for easier digestion by soil-based organisms.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology have received 750-thousand dollars in federal funding for the three-year project.