Removal of Petroleum Derivative Pollutants from the Environment: Techniques and Methods

Abstract

Usuwanie zanieczyszczeń ropopochodnych ze środowiska-stosowane techniki i metody The increasing use of petroleum derivatives as a result of industrial development and urbanization has a negative impact on the natural environment. Due to their toxic and carcinogenic effects, these compounds have a negative impact on living organisms and plants, and also contribute to changes in soil properties and composition, and the abundance of microorganisms present in this soil. Sources of pollution with petroleum derivatives to the soil environment are mostly refinery and petrochemical plants, crude oil extraction sites, storage and distribution sites for petroleum products, transport of crude oil, and traffic accidents. Remediation of an area polluted with petroleum derivatives can be done by their decomposition, transformation into less toxic reactive and mobile forms, or by total elimination. Chemical, physical and biological methods are used for this purpose. In the biological methods, the most important role is played by microorganisms capable of using hydrocarbons as a source of carbon and energy.