Enhancing petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in soils with surfactant/nutrients
- Texaco R&D, Beacon, NY (United States); and others
Bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils is an attractive process for treating contaminated soils because it converts contaminants into harmless byproducts at low costs. However, the process is slow; rates of cleanup are typically measured in months or years. The process could be improved with additives that accelerate rates of biodegradation. In this study, molecular surfactant/nutrients were synthesized and tested for their ability to enhance the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in soils. Rates of biodegradation of heavy hydrocarbons were evaluated using either oxygen and carbon dioxide respirometry in soil slurries, or periodic measurements of extractable hydrocarbon residues in unsaturated soil microcosms. Results show rate enhancements in both soil slurries and unsaturated soil microcosms that were treated with an anionic nitrogenous surfactant.
- OSTI ID:
- 210366
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9509139--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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