Bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil by heated and humidified biopile system in cold climates

On-site and in situ remediation technologies applicable to petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites in the Antarctic and Arctic

“…Biopiles have been used effectively in temperate regions (Samson et al 1994;Pollard et al 2008); however, there have been very few field trials in cold regions (Delille et al 2008;Sanscartier et al 2009). Biopiles typically contain passive or active aeration and heating systems to optimize soil temperature, encourage microbial activity and enhance natural contaminant biodegradation rates (Aislabie et al 2006).…”

“…This high aeration rate was equivalent to that used in a field-scale heated biopile system (Sanscartier et al 2009). Similarly, King et al (2014) found that bioventing was most effective (82.0Á92.5% hydrocarbon removal) when soil at 108C was amended with nutrients and strongly aerated (275 cm 3 /min).…”

“…Air pumps distribute oxygen more evenly and efficiently throughout biopiles and so are often preferred; however, their large energy requirements reduce their feasibility in remote, cold regions (Sanscartier et al 2009). Another issue associated with aeration is reduced air quality pertaining to the heightened volatilization of low molecular weight organic compounds, generating concerns for environmental health (van Loon & Duffy 2000;Sanscartier et al 2009). Similar to landfarms, air filtration systems can be implemented to reduce contamination by volatilization (Sanscartier et al 2009;Environment Canada 2013).…”

“…Biopiles typically contain passive or active aeration and heating systems to optimize soil temperature, encourage microbial activity and enhance natural contaminant biodegradation rates (Aislabie et al 2006). Air pumps distribute oxygen more evenly and efficiently throughout biopiles and so are often preferred; however, their large energy requirements reduce their feasibility in remote, cold regions (Sanscartier et al 2009). Another issue associated with aeration is reduced air quality pertaining to the heightened volatilization of low molecular weight organic compounds, generating concerns for environmental health (van Loon & Duffy 2000;Sanscartier et al 2009).…”

“…Biopiles contain contaminated soil that has been treated with nutrients and water and piled in a contained, covered and lined installation similar to a modern landfill (Sanscartier et al 2009). Biopiles have been used effectively in temperate regions (Samson et al 1994;Pollard et al 2008); however, there have been very few field trials in cold regions (Delille et al 2008;Sanscartier et al 2009).…”