Abstract
We have investigated soil decontamination by vegetable oil-based fluids. Methyl esters of babassu oil (BME) and the unsaturated fraction of palm oil (UPME) were prepared by transesterification of precursor oils. Phase diagrams of each fatty ester/water/nonionic surfactant (Synperonic 91/4) were studied as a function of system composition and temperature. Measurements of solution rheology, quasi-elastic light scattering, and interfacial tension were employed to demonstrate that the single phases obtained are either bicontinuous or water-in-oil microemulsions (μE). Both types were used in decontamination of three different soils, impregnated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. As decontaminators, BME- and UPME-based μE (at 37.5, and 42.5°C, respectively) are more efficient than hot toluene. This is attributed to desorption and subsequent solubilization of contaminants by the μE. The viability of this decontamination scheme is further supported by material balance. Decontamination has increased soil bio-availability.
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