HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Harmsen, J. Articles by Zweers, A.J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Harmsen, J. Articles by Zweers, A.J. GeoRef GeoRef Citation Agricola Articles by Harmsen, J. Articles by Zweers, A.J. Related Collections Field-Scale Studies Bioremediation and Biodegradation Soil Models

Theory and Application of Landfarming to Remediate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Mineral Oil-Contaminated Sediments; Beneficial Reuse

^a Alterra/Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
^b Dep. of Environmental Technology, Wageningen Univ. and Research Centre, Bomenweg 2, HD 6703 Wageningen, The Netherlands
^c Utah State Univ., College of Engineering, Dep. of Biological & Irrigation Engineering, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4105

^* Corresponding author (joop.harmsen{at}wur.nl)

When applying landfarming for the remediation of contaminated soil and sediment, a fraction of the soil-bound contaminant is rapidly degraded; however, a residual concentration may remain, which slowly degrades. Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mineral oil can be described using a multi-compartment model and first-order kinetics, in which three degradable fractions are distinguished; (1) rapid, (2) slowly, and (3) very slowly degradable. Using this model populated with data from long-term experiments (initiated in 1990), it is shown that time frames from years to decades can be necessary to clean the soil or sediment to obtain a target below regulatory guidelines. In passive landfarms without active management, three principal potentially limiting factors can be identified: (1) availability of appropriate microorganisms, (2) supply of oxygen for the biodegradation process, and (3) bioavailability of the pollutants to the microorganisms. Bioavailable PAHs and mineral oil are readily biodegradable contaminants under aerobic conditions, and presence and activity of microorganisms are not problems. The other two factors can be limiting and are theoretically described. Using these descriptions, which are in agreement with field experiments of 10 to 15 yr, it is shown if and when optimization of the biodegradation process is an option. Because a long time period is necessary to degrade the slowly and very slowly degradable fractions, passive landfarming should be combined with beneficial use of the land area. Examples include the development of natural environments, use in constructions, growing of biomass for energy production, including biofuels, and use as cover for landfills.

Abbreviations: PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons • DOM, dissolved organic matter • DOC, dissolved organic carbon • SOM, solid organic matter