Accumulation of organic contamination in plant roots and the influence of plant rhizosphere on removal of PAH, TPH and heavy oil fractions from soil

摘要

Contamination of soil with petroleum is an environmental problem affecting many industries, including the petroleum industry, gas stations, car services, cokeries and many others [1]. Petroleum contamination by high amounts of PAHs, TPHs and heavy oil fractions is often treated through landfarming, in which soil is mixed with CaO (CaCO_3), fertilizers and microorganisms that can biodegradate organic pollutants. After a few weeks, the soil is ploughed, and then plants are sown [2]. Recent research has demonstrated that plants can enhance the dissipation of organic pollutants in the environment of the roots (rhizosphere). This effect is connected with the growth of microorganisms in this area, due to easy access to organic substances [3]. In the present paper, we described the results of greenhouse experiments in which the use of vegetation to increase the degree of degradation of petroleum contaminants in soils was investigated.