Electrokinetic Remediation for Environmental Security and Sustainability

8Hydrocarbon‐Contaminated Soil in Cold Climate Conditions: Electrokinetic‐Bioremediation Technology as a Remediation Strategy

Ana Rita Ferreira¹, Paula Guedes^1,2, Eduardo P. Mateus¹, Pernille Erland Jensen³, Alexandra B. Ribeiro¹, and Nazaré Couto¹

CENSE – Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829‐516 Caparica, Portugal

Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, 2780‐157 Oeiras, Portugal

Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 Hydrocarbon Contamination

Soil contamination refers to reduced soil quality and is considered a global issue. Health risks and environmental impacts associated with exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons have led to soil contamination being considered a major concern. There are more than 3 000 000 potentially contaminated sites worldwide, and they may represent a loss of economic opportunities and a threat to human health and the ecosystem [1]. If the current trend continues, the number of potentially contaminated sites is expected to increase by 50% by 2025 [2]. The leading causes of contamination vary widely across Europe but include past and present industrial and commercial activities, as well as the disposal and treatment of waste.

In Europe, heavy metals and mineral oil are the most frequent soil contaminants ...