Use of solvents to enhance path biodegradation of coal tar-contaminated soils

摘要

biremediation of coal tar-contaminated soils containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is highly challenging because of the low solubility and strong sorption properties of PAHs. Five coal tar-contaminated soils from former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites were pretreated with two solvents, acetone and ethanol to enhance the bioavailability of the PAH compounds. The biodegradation of various PAHs in the pretreated soils was assessed using soil slurry reactors.