Abstract
Contamination of groundwater by petroleum hydrocarbons is a widespread environmental problem in many regions. Contamination of unsaturated and saturated zones could also pose a significant risk to human health. The main purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency of biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in situ, in an area with loam and sandy loam soils, and to identify features and characteristics related to groundwater treatment in an area with a persistent flow of pollutants. We used methods of biostimulation (oxygen as stimulatory supplement) and bioaugmentation to improve water quality. Oxygen was added to the groundwater by diffusion through silicone tubing. The efficiency of groundwater treatment was determined by detailed monitoring. Implementation of the applied measure resulted in an average reduction in TPH concentration of 73.1% compared with the initial average concentration (4.33 mg/L), and in the local area, TPH content was reduced by 95.5%. The authors hope that this paper will contribute to a better understanding of the topic of groundwater treatment by in situ biodegradation of TPH. Further studies on this topic are particularly needed to provide more data and details on the efficiency of groundwater treatment under adverse geological conditions.
Highlights
Environmental protection measures in the oil industry contribute a certain component to the concept of sustainable development
The main purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency of biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in situ, in an area with loam and sandy loam soils, and to identify features and characteristics related to groundwater treatment in an area with a persistent flow of pollutants
The research objective of the study was to assess the efficiency of TPH biodegradation of in situ, in an area with loam and sandy loam soils, and to identify features and characteristics related to groundwater treatment in an area with a persistent flow of pollutants
Summary
Environmental protection measures in the oil industry contribute a certain component to the concept of sustainable development. Implementing these measures leads to the prevention or decrease in pollution in the environment. Hydrocarbons usually form persistent contamination (non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs)) [4], which spreads from the point source downward into the soil, frequently reaching groundwater. The spreading of the dissolved phase can continue for a long time [8] even after the implementation of environmental protection measures, such as pumping out the non-aqueous phase liquid [9,10,11]. It is especially important to improve and apply technologies aimed at preventing the spread of dissolved hydrocarbon plumes in groundwater
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
