Mineral oil bio-degradation within a permeable pavement: long term observations

Abstract

The paper reports on the first 300 days of a research project conducted at Coventry University, which has focused on the ability of a permeable pavement, reservoir structure to retain and treat petroleum-derived pollutants through in situ microbial bio-degradation. The research has required the construction of a full-scale model permeable pavement in the laboratory, which has been subjected to prolonged low-level hydrocarbon contamination, representative of typical loadings to urban surfaces such as highways and car parks. Water quality and bio-degradation indicators have been monitored over several months so that the capability of the permeable pavement to maintain a viable and effective microbial population could be assessed. The research has demonstrated that the structure can be used as an effective in situ aerobic bioreactor.