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Bioconversion of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil using apple filter cake
M Cecilia Medaura1, Eduardo C Ercoli
1Laboratorio de Bioprocesos, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo , Mendoza , Argentina.
Summary
Apple filter cake effectively bioremediated petroleum-contaminated soil by reducing harmful fractions like Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) and Diesel Range Organics (DRO). This waste material shows promise for large-scale environmental cleanup applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Bioremediation
- Soil Science
Background:
- Petroleum-contaminated soil poses significant environmental risks.
- Bioremediation offers a sustainable approach to mitigate soil pollution.
- Fruit-processing waste, like apple filter cake, is a potential resource for bioremediation enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of apple filter cake in enhancing the bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.
- To investigate the transformation of petroleum hydrocarbon fractions using naturally occurring microorganisms.
- To evaluate the impact of apple filter cake on soil characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rotating barrel system for soil bioremediation.
- Introduced apple filter cake as a treatment for petroleum-contaminated soil.
- Monitored changes in petroleum hydrocarbon fractions (GRO, DRO, RRO) and heavier organics.
- Analyzed microbial activity and transformation of xenobiotic compounds.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced environmentally risky petroleum fractions: Gasoline Range Organics (GRO), Diesel Range Organics (DRO), and Residual Range Organics (RRO) decreased from 2.95% to 1.39%.
- Increased heavier weight fractions (C35+) from 1.15% to 3.00%.
- Observed a reduction in low molecular weight hydrocarbons, indicating decreased environmental risk.
- Reported improvements in the physical characteristics of the soil.
Conclusions:
- Apple filter cake is a feasible and effective amendment for enhancing the bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.
- The process significantly reduces hazardous hydrocarbon fractions, mitigating environmental risk.
- The positive impact on soil physical properties and hydrocarbon transformation suggests potential for large-scale application.
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