Geotechnical properties of oil-polluted soil: a review

Soil polluted by oil and its derivatives is a critical environmental issue worldwide that jeopardizes ecological systems and causes geotechnical problems. This review paper focuses on the previous studies concerning the impacts of oil pollution on soil geotechnical properties. To this end, related academic literature on this topic was investigated and discussed. The findings of this study demonstrated that the addition of oil pollution in coarse-grained soils significantly reduces particle surface roughness. On the other hand, in fine-grained soils, it results in flocculation and secondary aggregation of clay particles, less aggregated and loose packing in the soil matrix, the formation of isometric pores, the formation of fissure-like pores, and an increase in mesoporosity. In general, it was found that the geotechnical properties of oil-polluted soils are mostly determined by the physicochemical and/or physical interactions between the soil and contaminant. Additionally, previous research has demonstrated that oil pollutants alter the geotechnical properties of cohesive and non-cohesive soils significantly, including the Atterberg limits, particle-size distribution, compaction behavior, unconfined compressive strength, friction angle, cohesion, hydraulic conductivity, and consolidation characteristics. However, no general pattern could be established for the majority of them. Besides, it was found that the degree of geotechnical property alteration of oil-polluted soil is strongly influenced by the soil type and features, as well as the quantity, type, and chemical composition of oil pollutants.