Assessment of bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils under cold climate

The main objective of this research is the feasibility assessment of bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils for cold climate conditions. LLSRI as the industrial partner is interested to evaluate feasibility of conducting bioremediation through the cold season to extend its operation and generate more revenue. This will be investigated by construction, operation and maintenance of 16 different full-scale biopiles at the LLSRI site under cold climate conditions over a period of 5-6 months, subjected to different amounts of bacterial augmentation (bacterial load) and compost as biostimulation agent. The performance and efficiency of the process will be determined by the extent of the reduction of contaminant concentrations. The biopiles will be maintained until the provincial criteria are met.

During the course of the experiments composite soil samples will be collected according to standard sampling techniques and analyzed for TPH, PAH, pH, nutrients (N,P), heterotrophic aerobic bacteria count (log CFU/g) and total hydrocarbon degrader bacteria. For each pile, composite samples over time will be used as indicator of the biopiles.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Majid Sartaj

Student:

Francisco Gomez

Partner:

Lafleche Leblanc Soil Recycling Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Ottawa