Reduction of hydrocarbons in contaminated soil through paired sorption and advanced oxidation processes

Abstract

In central Mexico (state of Puebla), hydrocarbon spillages associated to fuel theft are common. The soil that surrounds these spillages is left useless due to hydrocarbon contamination. Given the increasing number of spillages and the extension of polluted land that they represent, a recovery plan for these soils does not exist. This work proposes the application of advanced oxidation, activated carbon sorption, and the combination of both, as a remediation proposal. Starting with a total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 55,141 mg/Kg, advanced oxidation degraded a maximum of 84%, sorption removed up to 58%, and the combination of both methods achieved a removal up to 98%. The time invested in the application of both techniques was 50 h, being quite low in comparison with other available methods. The treated soil presented changes in some parameters, including a pH value of 3.8. It is considered that the paired methods of advanced oxidation and sorption represent a good alternative to decontaminate hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Keywords

• Advanced oxidation
• Sorption
• Hydrocarbon