Trace Element Contents in Petrol-Contaminated Soil Following the Application of Compost and Mineral Materials

Abstract

The global use of petroleum hydrocarbons as raw materials and an energy source in industry results in serious environmental, health, and ecological problems. Consequently, there is growing interest in the development of technologies for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. This study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of different phytostabilising materials (compost, bentonite, and CaO) on the trace element content in soil contaminated with unleaded petroleum 95 (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm3 kg−1 of soil). The doses of petroleum applied to the soil were based on the previously conducted preliminary experiment. The highest petroleum dose (10 cm3 kg−1 of soil) significantly reduced the chromium, zinc, and cobalt contents in the soil. Petroleum increased the cadmium, lead, nickel, and copper contents in the soil. The materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the trace element content in the soil. The application of mineral materials (bentonite and calcium oxide) was more effective than the application of compost, compared to the control series (without soil amendments) as they reduced the contents of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt in the soil to the greatest extent. The reduction effect of bentonite and calcium oxide on the content of these trace elements in the soil was stronger than compost.