Environmental impact of soil washing process based on the CO2 emissions and energy consumption

Abstract

This study evaluated the environmental impacts of a soil washing (SW) process, especially, we compared the on-site and off-site remediation of TPH-contaminated soil using green and sustainable remediation (GSR) tool. To assess relative contribution of each stage on environmental footprints in the entire soil washing process, we classified the process into four major stages: site foundation (stage I), excavation (stage II), separation & washing (stage III), and wastewater treatment (stage IV). In on-site SW process, the relative contribution of CO2 emissions and energy consumption were 87.1% and 80.4%, respectively in stage I, and in off-site SW process, the relative contribution of CO2 emissions and energy consumption were 82.7% and 80.5%, respectively in stage II. In conclusion, the major factor contributing environmental impact in the SW process were consumable materials including steel and stainless steel for washing equipment in on-site treatment and fuel consumption for transportation of soil in off-site treatment.