What are the most effective methods for sustainable soil remediation of hydrocarbon contamination?5 answersThe most effective methods for sustainable soil remediation of hydrocarbon contamination include biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and surfactant-enhanced microbial remediation. Biostimulation with the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus has shown a reduction in remediation time by 35% compared to traditional methods. Bioaugmentation, especially when combined with phosphorous addition, has also proven to be effective, reducing remediation time by 24% and promoting waste reuse. Additionally, surfactant-enhanced microbial remediation, such as rhamnolipid-enhanced Bacillus methylotrophicus treatment, has demonstrated high removal rates of petroleum hydrocarbons, with a significant positive correlation between bacterial community assembly process and removal efficiency. These methods not only enhance degradation rates but also contribute to the efficient and sustainable remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.
Why crude oil contamination in soil makes soil become acid?5 answersCrude oil contamination in soil leads to soil acidity due to various factors. Studies have shown that as crude oil concentration increases in soil, there is a decrease in pH levels, indicating increased acidity. This decrease in pH is attributed to the release of acidic metabolites during bioremediation processes by indigenous microorganisms, which are activated in response to the presence of hydrocarbons. Additionally, the alteration in physicochemical properties caused by crude oil contamination, such as changes in organic carbon content and total hydrocarbon levels, can contribute to the overall increase in soil acidity. These combined effects of crude oil contamination on soil properties ultimately result in the acidification of the soil ecosystem.
How can lindane be removed from soil?4 answersLindane can be removed from soil through various remediation techniques. One approach is electrokinetic soil flushing (EKSF) combined with air stripping, which efficiently transports lindane to anodic and cathodic wells using flushing fluids containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Another method is in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), which can degrade lindane but requires high reaction times. To overcome this limitation, simultaneous injection of surfactants and oxidants (S-ISCO) has been proposed as a promising technology. Additionally, the use of lindane degrading bacteria, such as Rhodococcus rhodochrous NITDBS9, has shown potential for bioremediation and improvement of crop production in contaminated sites. Mechanochemical (MC) treatment combined with activated persulfate (PS) oxidation has also been investigated for the degradation of lindane in contaminated soil, with NaOH performing better than Fe or CaO as an activator for PS. These techniques offer effective means for the removal of lindane from soil, providing options for remediation and reducing its environmental impact.
What are some of the methods for extracting hydrocarbons from soil?5 answersThere are several methods for extracting hydrocarbons from soil. One method involves injecting a volume of a first solution comprising polymer into the subterranean formation, followed by injecting a volume of a second solution comprising at least one surfactant and polymer, and finally injecting a volume of a third solution comprising polymer. The hydrocarbons displaced by the injected solutions are then collected. Another method utilizes a helical agitation member to promote extended contact between the soil containing hydrocarbons and a washing medium. Additionally, a pretreatment method involves weighing the soil, adding anhydrous sodium sulfate for dehydration, and subjecting the soil to ultrasonic treatment and shaking. The extract is then filtered using a glass fiber filter film. These methods provide effective ways to extract hydrocarbons from soil, addressing the challenges associated with contamination and decontamination.
How can UV-Dive be used to extract hydrocarbons from soil that is contaminated with other pollutants?5 answersUV-Dive can be used to extract hydrocarbons from soil contaminated with other pollutants by utilizing solar/UV based processes. These processes involve the use of solar/UV radiation to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in the soil. The efficiency of these processes can be enhanced by the addition of additives. Another method for extracting hydrocarbons from contaminated soil is the Soxhlet method, which involves the use of different solvents, soils, and extraction times. This method optimizes the extraction of hydrocarbons and can be used for environmental diagnoses of polluted soil. Additionally, the clean-up and pre-concentration technique, such as Soxhlet, ultrasonication, and mechanical shaking, followed by solid phase extraction, can also be used to extract and determine PAHs from soil. These techniques have been validated and compared to determine the method with the highest extraction efficiency.
How do aromatic hydrocarbons affect the soil?2 answersAromatic hydrocarbons, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have negative effects on soil. They can alter the properties of soil, including grain size, porosity, water-holding capacity, permeability, volume, and plasticity. PAHs also affect the diversity and population of microbes in the soil, which can have adverse effects on soil health. The presence of nitrogen-containing PAHs in contaminated soil can impact the microbial degradation of PAHs, leading to limited success in achieving complete biodegradation. Additionally, the low biodegradability of PAHs in aging contaminated soil can pose challenges for bioremediation efforts. However, the addition of organic matter, such as compost, can stimulate microbial activity and promote the recovery of soil functions and species diversity. The accumulation of PAHs in soil is influenced by both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors, such as combustion processes, climate, vegetation, and soil properties.