Recultivation of Oil-Contaminated Soils by Reagent Encapsulation with their Subsequent Phytoremediation

Abstract

A critical analysis of existing technologies to reduce the toxicity of oil-contaminated soils is presented . It is noted that carbonate capsules of oil in soils in the natural environment decompose under the influence of precipitation (pH ≤6). New technologies of non-carbonate encapsulation are proposed, in which water-insoluble crystallization centers are formed in the matrix of contaminated soils, around which capsule shells mature and grow, isolating oil droplets with the soil. It is shown that reagent encapsulation technologies in combination with phytoremediation make it possible to restore oil-contaminated soils. It is determined that the encapsulation process prevents the harmful effects of oil on the soil and groundwater. It is shown that the seeds of various plants grow approximately equally in both encapsulated and pure soil, whereas they die in soils contaminated with petroleum products. It is concluded that plants assimilate the petroleum hydrocarbons contained inside the capsules, using them as a source of energy and carbon. That is, over time, the oil products inside the capsules may completely disappear, and the soils will be reclaimed.