Electrokinetic Remediation for Environmental Security and Sustainability

9Electrochemical Migration of Oil and Oil Products in Soil

V.A. Korolev and D.S. Nesterov

Department of Engineering and Ecological Geology, Faculty of Geology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991

9.1 Introduction

The recultivation of oil‐polluted areas is a well‐known critical problem occurring all over the world [1]. Soil pollution by oil and its products takes place in different ways. According to statistical data, about 800 petroleum pipeline disruptions occur in Russia annually. Each such accident can be considered an ecologic catastrophe and results in the total demise of nearby ecosystems.

A considerable number of accidents having taken place during oil production and transportation in recent years. Some accidents, like the one at the oil‐production platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, had remarkable ecological and economic effects [2]. However, local oil‐polluted areas pose an equal threat to ecosystems and human health [1].

Accordingly, various soil remediation methods have been proposed [3]. In particular, electrokinetic methods are considered one of the most promising ways to treat soil and remove oil within the soil mass (in situ). These methods are cheaper than microbiological approaches and can remediate the area more quickly. In many cases, soil pretreatment and nutrients for microorganisms are vital for successful bioremediation of oil‐polluted soil [4]. That places some economic limitations on the ubiquitous use of microbiological ...