Mechanochemical degradation of lindane – example of “self-healing” ability of some types of soil

Abstract

Abstract Halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are purposefully rendered obsolete, are kept in stockpiles around the world, often in hazardous conditions. They pose a significant risk to both the environment and human health due to their proclivity to migrate and accumulate in the biosphere. Lindane is a dangerous substance that was previously used as a pesticide. Many countries have banned it due to its negative impact on the environment and human health. Lindane is particularly dangerous because it can linger in the environment for extended periods of time and accumulate in the food chain. Lindane contamination can occur from a number of sources, including contaminated soil, water, and air. Lindane can degrade via a variety of mechanisms, including biodegradation, photodegradation, hydrolysis, and chemical oxidation. Mechanochemical treatment has demonstrated the ability to degrade pollutants in both pure pollutants and contaminated soils. Adding co-milling agents to aid in the breakdown of organochlorine chemicals is the most common method of mechanochemically treating contaminated soil. Our research into two types of synthetic soil and genuine soil samples from different locations reveals a compelling relationship between the chemical composition of the soil and the extent of lindane breakdown, especially at low to moderate concentrations. This phenomenon, aptly dubbed "soil's self-healing ability," has far-reaching implications for cost-effective remediation practices. Knowing the magnitude of this impact also encourages economic revitalization, establishing soil remediation efforts as a dynamic engine of positive transformation.