Petroleum Hydrocarbon Concentrations Research Articles

Biotesting for adsorptive bioremediation of oil-contaminated podzolic soil in Western Siberia

The majority of Russia’s oil and gas-producing regions are situated in the northern part of Western Siberia, where sandy podzolic soils are prevalent. Due to the low buffering capacity of these soils and the severe Arctic climate, the conventional method of bioremediation for removing oil contamination is not effective. This study, for the first time, explores the potential of adsorptive bioremediation for purifying oil-polluted gley-podzolic soil. This approach involves introducing natural sorbents of various classes before soil treatment through bioremediation. The optimal conditions for soil treatment can be determined using the express phytotests based on white clover ( Trifolium repens ) seed germination. The results indicate that under the best conditions, which involve adding 2 % mixed sorbent based on granulated activated carbon (GAC) and diatomite (4:1) or Spilsorb, it is possible to minimize soil phytotoxicity after 2-3 warm seasons and reduce the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons to the permissible residual oil content (≤5 g/kg) established in the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug for recultivated agricultural soils. Moreover, other sorbents, such as peat, GAC, vermiculite, zeolite, and diatomite, can be used to reduce phytotoxicity to <33 %, allowing for additional soil decontamination through phytoremediation.

Bioavailability enhancement of petroleum-contaminated soil by electrokinetic remediation

The Electro kinetic Remediation Technology (EKR) is recognized as the most potential remediation technology for soils with low permeability, like clay soil characteristics. Electrokinetic treatment could increase the bioavailability of contaminants in bioremediation petroleum-contaminated soil. The study, “Bioavailability enhancement of petroleum contaminated soil by electrokinetic remediation,” is experimental research in a laboratory to improve the bioavailability of petroleum hydrocarbons on clay during bioremediation with initial treatment using electrokinetic remediation techniques, finding optimum electrokinetic operating conditions of remediations, and analyzing the mechanism of remediation process in contaminated soil. Bioavailability enhancement was studied for 35 days. Polluted soil was treated with an electrokinetic box test (17cm×12cm×10cm), and DC power was used for 48 hours. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration was determined by gravimetric methods. The results showed that the characteristics of the soil samples were dominated by 49.31% clay. The initial concentration of TPH in polluted soil is 3.7%. The electrokinetic applications during 48 hours and followed by bioremediation for 35 days those processes removed TPH up to 80.74 % (from 33780.66 mg HC (kg dry w)-1 to 6506.155176 mg HC (kg dry w)-1. There is an increase in bioavailability indicated by the rise in bacterial populations and an increase in biodegradation after electrokinetic remediation. With this approach, bioavailability has been increased by 70.18%. Bio-electrokinetic remediation is the recommended method for polluted clay soils with low bioavailability.

Soil residue ecotoxicology from biosurfactant extraction for oily soil decontamination process

Solvent extraction as part of oily soil decontamination process has been including rhamnolipid biosurfactant to be part for seeking its possibility for further implementation. Result of some researchers reported prospect of its implementation due to removal efficiency. This study reported post treatment process assessment to soil residue that remained after the completion of decontamination process. Soil toxicity examined involving Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration, Hydrocarbon Structure by using Gas Chromatography-Flame-Ionization Detection (GC-FID), Hydrocarbon bond identification by using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis, Metal and Oxide Metal Content of the residual soil. Germination Index as biological indicator also involved as part of the study to give early indication of impact on residual treated soil. Germination index selected mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus) as object of study. Result showed that at residual soil TPH content could be reduced until 0.78%, there are simplification of hydrocarbon structure after treatment process included weakened of hydrocarbon bonding and concentration observed by FTIR. TCLP result showed residual soil was benign to the environment and Germination Index indicated improvement of mung beans germination after decontamination process.

Assessment of Physicochemical Quality, Heavy Metals, and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Concentration in Surface Water from Communities of the Jones Creek Oil Field, Niger Delta Nigeria

Assessment of Physicochemical Quality, Heavy Metals, and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Concentration in Surface Water from Communities of the Jones Creek Oil Field, Niger Delta Nigeria

Microbial functional heterogeneity induced in a petroleum-polluted soil profile

Microbial taxonomic diversity declines with increasing stress caused by petroleum pollution. However, few studies have tested whether functional diversities vary similarly to taxonomic diversity along the stress gradient. Here, we investigated soil microbial communities in a petrochemically polluted site in China. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations were higher in the middle (2–3 m) and deep soil layer (3–5 m) than in the surface soil layer (0–2 m). Accordingly, microbial taxonomic α-diversity was decreased by 44% (p < 0.001) in the middle and deep soil layers, compared to the surface soil layer. In contrast, functional α-diversity decreased by 3% (p < 0.001), showing a much better buffering capacity to environmental stress. Differences in microbial taxonomic and functional β-diversities were enlarged in the middle and deep soil layers, extending the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP) that a community adapts to stressful environments in its own way. Consistent with the stress gradient hypothesis, we revealed a higher degree of network connectivity among microbial species and genes in the middle and deep soil layers compared to the surface soil layer. Together, we demonstrate that microbial functionality is more tolerant to stress than taxonomy, both of which were amenable to AKP and the stress gradient hypothesis.

STUDIES OF OILCONTAMINATED SOILS AND FORWARDLOOKING APPROACHES TO THEIR REMEDIATION

Milestones in the study of oilcontaminated soils at the Faculty of Soil Science for 50 years of its foundation are discussed from the prospects for the development of environmental regulation and new technologies of soil reclamation. The development of a methodological framework for the determination of oil and petroleum hydrocarbons in soils, studies of soil properties, the chemistry of oil and its components in soil and adjacent media are shown. The development of legislation on the rationing of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils is given, including the important role of the staff of Faculty of Soil Science of Moscow State University in the work out of a number of regional standards for the permissible residual content of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils is noted. The approaches to ecological rationing of oil and petroleum hydrocarbons in soils are proposed, in the aspects of natural climatic zones and the type of landuse. The importance of improving the regulatory and methodological framework and continuing work in this direction is emphasized. The necessity of research at developing technologies for reclamation of oilcontaminated lands and special use of oilcontaminated waste is indicated.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Bioaugmentation-Assisted Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons Using Echinacea purpurea

Phytoremediation supported by bioaugmentation is a promising method considered for cleaning up areas polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons. In this study, phytoremediation was carried out using Echinacea purpurea as a phytoremediant on two types of soil: Soil DW—aged soil taken from an excavation pit, Soil OS—soil taken from an oil spill area. The tests for each soil were carried out in six test systems (non-inoculation, inoculation with the B1 microbial consortium, inoculation with the B2 microbial consortium, inoculation with the B1 microbial consortium with the addition of γ-PGA (γ-poly glutamic acid), inoculation with the B2 microbial consortium with the addition of γ-PGA and inoculation with the γ-PGA solution) for 6 months. The effectiveness of the remediation treatments used was assessed based on chromatographic analyses of soil and plant material (roots, shoots) and toxicological analyses using four types of toxicological tests (PhytotoxkitTM (MicroBioTests Inc., Gent, Belgium), OstracodtoxkitTM (MicroBioTests Inc., Gent, Belgium), Microtox® Solid Phase Test (Modern Water Inc., New Castle, DE, USA), MARA (NCIMB Ltd., Aberdeen, UK)). The research conducted showed that the most effective method of bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons was phytoremediation supported by bioaugmentation with the microbial consortium B2 with γ-PGA, which allowed for reducing the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the tested soils by 53.98% and 49.54% (Soil DW-5) and 60.47% and 37.55% (Soil OS-5), respectively. In turn, the lowest bioremediation efficiency was recorded in non-inoculated systems, for which the concentration of TPHs and PAHs at the end of the study decreased by 18.40% and 16.14% (Soil DW-1) and 21.87% and 18.20% (Soil OS-1), respectively. The results of toxicological analyses confirmed the relationship between the concentration of TPHs and PAHs in the soil and its toxicity level.

Impact of Three Chainsaw Lubricants on Forest Soil Bacterial Community, Soil Respiration and Seedling Growth

Lubricants are applied onto chainsaw blades to achieve their optimum cutting performance; however, during logging or timber operations, lubricants may penetrate the forest soil. The persistent organic pollutants in lubricants may cause environmental damage, and different types of lubricants vary in terms of their environmental impact. Hence, selecting appropriate lubricants for timber operations is important for sustainable forest management. In this study, the effects of three lubricant types—biodegradable oil (bio-oil), petroleum-based bar-and-chain oil (mineral oil), and petroleum-based recycled oil (recycled oil)—on soil health were evaluated. The study was conducted in a controlled nursery setting, simulating post-logging reforestation. Sixteen types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in the soil samples were analyzed. Bio-oil facilitated faster recovery from soil contamination, whereas mineral oil exhibited slow and incomplete recovery. Recycled lubricants appear to be more environmentally sustainable options, indicating lower long-term soil contamination risks than petroleum-based lubricants. From a productivity perspective, the lubricant that supported the growth of seedlings was bio-oil. The findings of our study contribute to responsible lubricant selection for enhancing the overall health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.

ON THE POSSIBILITY OF DETERMINING THE DEGREE OF SOIL POLLUTION WITH HYDROCARBONS BASED ON ESTIMATES OF CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT IN LEAVES AND CROWNS OF PLANTS

The article analyzes the possibility of determining the degree of soil contamination with hydrocarbons by assessing the chlorophyll content in the plant. The problem of joint assessment of soil pollution based on the chlorophyll content in the leaves and crowns of plants has been formulated and solved. Formulas were obtained for calculating the total content of petroleum hydrocarbons depending on the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves and crown of the plant, as well as for calculating the unevenness of soil pollution between two given points of the soil covered with plants.

Evaluation of the ex-situ bioremediation of the petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soil

This study aimed to effectively decontaminate fuel oil-contaminated soil using ex-situ bioremediation. Soil samples (contaminated with waste oils) from Serbia were treated. The results showed several significant changes after bioremediation. The pH levels became slightly more alkaline (7.0–7.5). Reduction in organic substance (34%) and carbonate (36%) were observed, respectively. The concentration of n-hexane extractable substances and total petroleum hydrocarbons decreased by around 90%, including a significant reduction in hydrocarbons containing 17 C and 18 C atoms. Total carbon, organic carbon, and total hydrogen content also decreased notably. The presence of a high number of microorganisms indicated active aerobic and anaerobic processes in the soil. Overall, the results confirmed a high degree of feasibility of the applied conditions for bioremediation of soil contaminated with waste oils.

Demonstration of a scalable process for remediation of petroleum-impacted soil using electron beam irradiation

Petroleum-impacted soils pose several hazards and require fast, effective, and versatile remediation techniques. Electron beam irradiation provides a novel means of heating soil and inducing non-equilibrium chemical reactions and has previously been applied to environmental remediation. In this work a scalable process for remediation of petroleum-impacted soils using a 100 kW, 3 MeV industrial electron beam is investigated. The process involves conveying impacted soil through a beam at a controllable rate to achieve a desired dose of approximately 1000 kGy. Reductions to less than 1% Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) content from an initial TPH of 3.3% were demonstrated for doses of 710–1370 kGy. These reductions were achieved in in conditions equivalent to 4 m3 per hour, demonstrating the applicability of this technique to remediation sites. TPH reduction appeared to be temperature-dependent but not heavily dependent on dose rate, with reductions of 96% achieved for a dose of 1370 kGy and peak temperature of 540 °C. The performance of the process at high dose rates suggests that it can be incorporated into remediation of sites for which a high rate of material processing is required with a relatively small device footprint.

Remediation and regulatory factors of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil on site through Fe2+/Na2S2O8-Enterobacter himalayensis GZ6

The low-dose Fe2+/Na2S2O8-Enterobacter himalayensis GZ6 process can provide green, efficient, and sustainable remediation of organic contaminated soil. Adding 1.5 % (v/v) persulfate (PS) for oxidation, the residual concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in the soil decreased from 16,622.87 mg/kg to 7663.10 mg/kg, with a removal rate of 53.90 %. After 103 days of PS-Enterobacter himalayensis GZ6 group, the degradation rate of TPH was 15 % higher than that of PS-indigenous bacteria group (71 %) and single bioremediation group (71 %). The effects of indigenous bacteria and abiotic environmental parameters on the remediation performance of PS-Enterobacter himalayensis GZ6 were quantified. Both C10-C17 and C18-C30 were oxidized and biodegradable, with PS mainly oxidizing C18-C30 and microorganisms mainly degrading C10-C17, and C30-C40 could only be removed by biodegradation. Enterobacter himalayensis GZ6 made an important contribution in the middle stage of remediation, and activated indigenous dominant archaea and bacteria, such as Nitrosopumilales archaeon and Acinetobacter indicus. The research results provided theoretical and technical support for in-situ remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated sites.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbons in Sediment, Shell and Flesh of the Faunas in Qua-Iboe River at Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbons in Sediment, Shell and Flesh of the Faunas in Qua-Iboe River at Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was undertaken. The faunas and sediment sample were collected from designated locations and a control location along Ikot-Ibok in dry and wet seasons using standard analytical sampling methods. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals and hydrocarbons content by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas chromatography respectively. pH of the samples was assessed. Transfer factor (TF) of the heavy metals between the sediment and the faunas were calculated. Regression models (linear and power equation) were developed to predict the numerical relationship between total petroleum hydrocarbon and total hydrocarbon content (TPH and THC) and heavy metals concentration in shell (predictor) of fauna in relation to their concentration in the flesh (dependent). Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis such as coefficient of variation and mean. The concentration range of the heavy metals of both faunas and sediment was 0.001 – 86. 686 mg/kg. These value are above the World Health Organization and National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (WHO/NESREA) standards (0.001 -5.0mg/kg). The coefficient of variation (C.V) had a range of 0.0152 – 193.333% which showed variation in stability of the heavy metals. Transfer factor (TF) showed that Tympanotomus fuscatus tissue bioaccumulated most heavy metals. Hydrocarbons (TPH and THC) and heavy metals concentration in the flesh of Ostreidea and Tympanomus fuscatus tissue were predicted from its shells at highly significant level (P - ≤ 0.05). This study has provided information on the levels of heavy metals and Hydrocarbons in faunas and sediment. In addition, the study has also developed models for predicting the levels of heavy metals and hydrocarbon content in the flesh from the shell of the faunas studied.

Hydrochemistry of Lake Onega According to the Results of Research in 2022

The article presents the results of a study of the hydrochemical characteristics of the water of Lake Onega in 2022. Some of the hydrochemical parameters were determined by in situ probes, some later in the laboratory. Most samples are characterized by a high degree of oxygen saturation, a high pH level, low concentrations of biogenic elements and dissolved forms of heavy metal ions, but a sufficiently high content of petroleum hydrocarbons. At the same time, the areas of the lake where the hydrochemical characteristics differ in originality are marked. The high vulnerability of the lake ecosystem in combination with anthropogenic load, which may increase in the future, ensure the relevance of monitoring the state of the waters of Lake Onega.

Биотехнология очистки щебеночного балласта и получения биодизеля

The authors have developed the biotechnology of railroad crashed stone ballast remediation with simultaneous producing of fatty acids suitable as biodiesel precursors using the algal-bacterial-yeast consortium and the biogeosorbent on its basis. &#x0D; The efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbons removal during exposition to biological aditives under vigorous stirring was 97–98 %. Even on the repeated use of the same suspension, the optimal number of cycles to tumble ballast efficiently was determined to be 5. A decline of the petroleum hydrocarbon content to acceptable norms for the allowable residual content of oil in the soil was achieved in 90 days after plowed-down application of tank bottoms.&#x0D; Fatty acids of the suspension of the algal-bacterial-yeast consortium have a low value of the unsaturation degree suggesting the high biofuel oxidation stability. The cetane number, iodine value, and physicochemical properties of renewable fuels produced comply with the requirements of the European Standard EN 14 214 and the Russian National Standard 33131–2014, regardless of the exposure time.

Разработка новой формы нефтеокисляющих препаратов в виде агломератов клеток смешанных культур микроорганизмов, стабилизированных полиэлектролитами и солями жирных кислот

he efficiency of application of cationic polyacrylamide and its hydrophobized derivative at the stage of cell biomass separation from the cell cultures fluid is estimated. Cells of oil-degrading microorganisms obtained from mixed culture fluid by flocculation and flotation retain their viability for further use in the treatment of oil-contaminated soils under non-sterile conditions. The application of a new form of oil-oxidizing preparation resulted in a 40 % reduction of total petroleum hydrocarbon content in the contaminated soil.

Оценка экологического состояния реки Сояна в зоне возможного воздействия алмазоносного месторождения

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the Soyana River for the first time. The characteristics of hydrological and hydrochemical parameters were obtained while observations in July 2020 and March 2021. Changes in the hydrogen index (pH), mineralization, and the content of dissolved oxygen and biogenic elements in water, as well as petroleum hydrocarbons in water and bottom sediments were studied using generally accepted in hydrochemical practice methods. The data obtained were evaluated for compliance with the regulatory requirements for the river water quality. According to the chemical composition, the Soyana River water belongs to the hydrocarbonate class of small and medium mineralization (164–296 mg/L), weakly acidic and slightly alkaline type (pH 6.0–8.2). The data obtained allow us to conclude that there is no noticeable anthropogenic impact on the considered watercourse. The petroleum hydrocarbons content in water and bottom sediments was below maximum permissible concentrations. In river water it was below 0.010 mg/L, in bottom sediments – in the range from 0.2 to 3.2 mg/kg. The maximum content of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils was recorded in the lower course of the river, where bottom sediments are presented in the form of silty sand. The interannual variability of hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics in the direction from the source to the mouth of the river is estimated. The relationship and regularity of their distribution was specified. The data obtained can serve as background data for assessing the negative impact in case of anthropogenic load on the river basin.

Bioremediation of Oil Contaminated Soil and Restoration of Land Historically Polluted with Oil Products in the Agricultural Circuit in the Plain and Western Hills, Romania

Oil contamination in soil from a variety of sources, including accidental leaks, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal, involves disrupting ecosystems, contaminating water, harming human health, and diminishing agricultural productivity. Bioremediation is becoming the most important method accepted as a treatment for hydrocarbon-polluted soil using indigenous microbial flora, which aims to restore soils to their pre-hydrocarbon pollution characteristics. We will follow in our article to give some examples of good practices for bioremediation of oil-polluted soils in some sites in NE Romania. In a first step, all the oil extraction wells in NW Romania were mapped, both those in operation and those abandoned, reaching 695 wells. For 7 case studies, soil profiles were taken from the vicinity of the well column and from points close to it located in the well casing, for which the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons was determined. Using GIS spatial interpolation techniques, the theoretical concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil was determined. The polluted soil was transported to the bioremediation station, where it was exposed to bioremediation procedures, and the period and duration until the soil was brought to the accepted parameters in terms of allowable concentrations were analysed. The time required varies between 17 and 36 weeks needed for bioremediation. Following practical applications, it can be concluded that the time required for bioremediation is directly dependent on the initial concentration of pollutants and the number of chemical and physical interventions applied to the soil.

Post Reclamation Evaluation of Residual Hydrocarbons in Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Gas Chromatographic Techniques and Plant Growth Indices

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the post-reclamation of crude oil-contaminated soil using gas chromatographic technique and plant growth indices. Enrichment techniques, turbidometric test, plasmid curing test, classical identification method, gas chromatographic flame ionization detection technique and plant growth indices were carried out using standard procedures. The results indicated that 22 of the isolates were observed to have high pollutant degrading potentials (A600nm &gt; 0.3) due to their crude oil utilization ability. The results also indicated that isolates which were able to degrade crude oil belonged to genera Bacillus, Pseudomanas sp., Ochrobacterium sp. and Enterobacter sp. Moreso, the remediation percentages recorded were 98 %, 80 %, 21 % and 98 %, 78 % and 22 % for the respective crude oil pollution (3 %, 5 % and 10 %) for soil inoculated plasmid borne bacteria whereas soil inoculated with plasmid cured bacterial cultures had 65 %, 52 %, 11 % and 65 %, 50 % and 20 % degradation of the same concentration of the total petroleum hydrocarbon after 60 days for both Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max plant seeds, respectively. The remediation percentages in the uninoculated controls include 3 %, 5 %, 10 % and 12 %, 9 % and 5 % across the pollutions for both plant seeds. A significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in the growth parameters of the leguminous plants like percentage germination, mean plant shoot length, mean plant root length, plant fresh weight and number of root nodules were seen more in the soil microcosms inoculated with plasmid-borne bacteria than microcosm inoculated with culture of plasmid cured bacteria across all crude oil dilutions. Crude oil had a dose-dependent negative effect on the mean bacterial counts of each of the polluted soil containing the two different plants. Thus, the study clearly suggests that the selected hydrocarbon bacterial degraders could be effectively exploited in the remediation of crude oil-polluted sites.

Geochemical and Geospatial Distribution of Organic Contaminants in the Flood Plain of Ekpetiama, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the geochemical and geospatial distribution of organic contaminants in the floodplain water and sediments of Ekpetiama in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This study is necessary because there are limited data on the level of organic contamination in this section of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The extinction of planktons in Ekpetiama became a source of concern to the residents. This concern is because this section of the coastal plain provides fisher folks with livelihood. So, there was a need to track the source of contamination in this part of the Niger Delta region. Previous studies have suggested a high level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Total Hydrocarbon Content as possible sources of reduced dissolved oxygen in similar deltaic terrain. A total of 10 water and 10 sediment samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate at an interval of 100 m in the flood plain. A particle size analyzer was used to perform particle size analyses of air-dried sediments. The American Public Health Association method (APHA) was used to do the chemical analysis of the water samples. Here, a liquid-liquid extraction procedure was performed on sediment samples using 30 mL of Dichloromethane (DCM) as the extracting agent. The results were subjected to statistical validation. The mean grain size ranged from 2.37-4.83, kurtosis (1.94-0.49), and skewness (-0.8-0.71). The contaminant indicators (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and Total Organic Carbon) point to the presence of organic contamination of the flood plain. The results indicated a total petroleum hydrocarbon range of 0.47-0.87 ppm in water and 0.69-0.96 ppm in sediments and a total hydrocarbon content range of 1.10-2.80 ppm in water and 2.56-3.90 ppm in sediment# samples. The results were above the permitted limits of the World Health Organisation. The source of ecological damage is the abnormal concentrations of organic contaminants in the flood plain. These results significantly caused ecosystem damage and human health effects in the food chain. This study provides information to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for a cleanup process.