Effect of Oxygen Amendments and Soil pH on Bioremediation of Industrially Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), by-products of coal conversion processes, have contaminated soils near coal plant sites either through accidental spills or systematic discharge. Because these compounds are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic, remediation of such sites is a legitimate concern. For this study, contaminated soil samples were obtained from the Alberta Research Council (ARC) primary clean-up facility. Preliminary analysis of the soil was done for contaminant characterization and determination of initial contamination levels. Acinetobacter sp. was used for aerobic treatment of soil over a five-week period under optimum conditions. Because the rate of biodegradation is influenced by the pH, it is of interest to study the effect of pH on remediation efficiency in the physiological pH range of 5.0 to 9.0. Also, oxygen amendment via hydrogen peroxide solution was used to improve remediation in a packed bed, and the results were compared with those obtained under completely mixed conditions.