Bioremediation of Soda Ash Contaminated With Grease: The Application of Composting Technology

Abstract

Physical and chemical changes in biopiles were examined during composting of soda ash contaminated with grease. All compost trial temperature profiles illustrated initial elevated temperature levels followed by a slow gradual temperature decreasing phase. The C:N ratio and bulking agent seem to have the greatest impact on producing thermophilic temperatures. The composting process did not remove the contaminants to the agreed endpoints after 5 months. Therefore more time is needed to reduce total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) to disposal limits. With the experiments being a success in producing self-heating elevated temperatures, it is obvious that the precise parameters necessary are still vague