Scientists from the Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) studied how gas exchange in soil changes when contaminated with oil and its waste. The results of the study will make it possible to effectively clear fertile soil, the press service of the scientific institution told socialbites.ca.
Petroleum hydrocarbons change the biological properties of soil and suppress carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by disrupting the stability of soil ecosystems. The “breathability” of the soil is an important indicator of the activity of microorganisms, as a result of which they destroy pollutants.
PNIPU measured the rate of release of carbon dioxide from the soil when petroleum products enter the soil in different concentrations depending on the duration of pollution.
“The results of experimental studies have shown that the formation of carbon dioxide actively decreases with an increase in the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons. We determined the dependence of the intensity of gas emissions from contaminated soil over time – after a week and after 24 months,” project leader Elvira Sakaeva, associate professor of the Environmental Protection Department of PNRPU, told socialbites.ca.
The sharp decrease in CO2 emissions from the soil in the first week is due to the toxic effect of the oil on microorganisms. The contaminant coats soil particles and limits access to oxygen. However, after 24 months, the “breathability” of the soil gradually increases by 3 to 19 times compared to the moment of contamination. This confirms the intensive occurrence of redox processes, the revival of microorganism populations and intensive soil clearance.
“To accelerate the process of self-cleaning, one can use various methods – loosening, adding additional nutrients, as well as the use of various biological products containing hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms. All these methods will accelerate the process of self-cleaning of the soil and, accordingly, return soil respiration to its original level,” said Elvira Sakaeva.
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Source: Gazeta
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