Sustainable remediation of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soils using a two-step bioremediation process

In this study the treatment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated soil using Fenton's oxidation followed by a bioremediation field trial was investigated. Six weeks following the addition of either mushroom compost or poultry manure to the soil following Fenton's oxidation (using H2O2), a reduction in PAH concentration of 63% was observed (77 mg kg(-1)), with benzopyrene concentration being reduced by 69% (>5 mg kg(-1)). These levels fall below the Health Investigation Level for factory and industrial sites according to EPA Guidelines on Investigation Levels for Soils. In terms of biological activity, initial soil respiration was greatest in the Fenton's treated soils amended with mushroom compost (1.1 g CO2 m(2) h(-1)). The results obtained suggest that Fenton's oxidation of PAH contaminated soils followed by amendment with mushroom compost or poultry manure provides increased reduction of PAH contaminant concentration.