Tratability studies of creosote contaminated soil applying advanced oxidative process using iron chelate activated persulfate
Soil remediation, advanced oxidation process, persulfate, creosote, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
A significant portion of contaminated soils contain organic liquid pollutants known as NAPLs (Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids). DNAPLs (Dense Non-Aqueous Phase liquids) have the capability to migrate to meaningful depths, until reaching an impermeable layer. It may be in the underground media as NAPL (residual and free), vapor, dissolved and adsorbed phase. Creosote is a DNAPL type, it is an oil derived from the distillation of coal tar widely used in the wood preservation. It is a complex mixture of organic constituents, mainly containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in addition to heterocyclic hydrocarbons and phenols. The PAHs are toxic and persistent organic pollutants which have a tendency to adsorb in solid particles due to their high hydrophobicity and low solubility in water. Removing or treating soil contaminated by DNAPLs is especially urgent since contaminants can leach into groundwater and reach residential areas. Therefore, the present work proposes a chemical treatment for remediation of artificially contaminated soil with creosote through advanced oxidative process (AOP) using iron chelate activated persulfate.