Thermal Treatment of Hydrocarbon-Impacted Soils＂ A Review of Technology Innovation for Sustainable Remediation

• Published in: Engineering (Beijing, China) Vol. 2; no. 4; pp. 426 - 437
• Main Authors: Vidonish, Julia E., Zygourakis, Kyriacos, Masiello, Caroline A., Sabadell, Gabriel, Alvarez, Pedro J.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2016; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA%Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA%Department of Earth Science, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA%Chevron Energy Technology Company, Houston, TX 77002, USA; Elsevier
• Subjects: Desorption; Incineration; Land reclamation; Pyrolysis; Soil decomposition; 修复; 受污染土壤; 土壤性质; 技术创新; 热处理技术; 生态系统生态学; 碳氢化合物; 述评; Pyrolysis; Land reclamation; Desorption; Incineration; Soil decomposition
• ISSN: 2095-8099
• DOI: 10.1016/J.ENG.2016.04.005

Thermal treatment technologies hold an important niche in the remediation of hydrocarbon- contaminated soils and sediments due to their ability to quickly and reliably meet cleanup standards. However, sustained high temperature can be energy intensive and can damage soil properties. Despite the broad applicability and prevalence of thermal remediation, little work has been done to improve the environmental compatibility and sustainahility of these technologies. We review several common thermal treatment technologies for hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, assess their potential environmental impacts, and propose frameworks for sustainable and low-impact deployment based on a holistic consideration of energy and water requirements, ecosystem ecology, and soil science. There is no universally appropriate thermal treatment technology. Rather, the appropriate choice depends on the contamination scenario （including the type of hydrocarbons present） and on site-specific considerations such as soil properties, water availability, and the heat sensitivity of contaminated soils. Overall, the convergence of treatment process engineering with soil science, ecosystem ecology, and plant biology research is essential to fill critical knowledge gaps and improve both the removal efficiency and sustainability of thermal technologies.