Optimization of the biological treatment of TPH-contaminated soils in biopiles

摘要

The rate of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) degradation in biopile soils undergoing biological treatment is substantially influenced by the availability of oxygen in the biopiles. Passive aeration (diffusion through the surface of the piles) can only provide sufficient oxygen in depths of less than 2 meters within economical treatment periods (up to 1 year). For biopiles with heights of up to 5 meters (which are more economical due to lower space requirements), active aeration systems are necessary. In biopiles with heights of 3.2 meters, sufficient oxygen could be provided with an oxygen-controlled , discontinuous, high-pressure aeration system. A continuous TPH reduction could be achieved with this system. Lab-scale investigations carried out simultaneously showed that less than 5 % of the original contamination is stripped when this system is applied.