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Abstract

We propose a new method of in situ soil remediation called in situ washing by sedimentation (IWS), accomplished by injecting a high air-pressure into a mixture of saturated water-sandy soil at a certain depth (D) and hydraulically separating the soil particles based on their particle size and density. This physical segregation exploits the distribution of contaminant in the soil by physically separating a selected contaminant-rich fraction. For the in situ application, the physical segregation by sedimentation and on-site water wash treatment happen as an integrated process. The advantage of IWS that the washing and segregation processes take place simultaneously during the remediation process, quick, effective and cheap since there are no costs for excavation of contaminated soil from the site. The effect of soil-water ratio and diameter geometry of the column on the effectiveness of segregation by IWS was investigated. A series of laboratory test were conducted to optimize the soil water ratio for the best segregation process. Soil-water ratio 1:2 (v/v) was found to be optimum for particle segregation produced by IWS . The suitability of IWS for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) remediation, such as Napthalene, Phenantrene and Pyrene, were examined by batch sedimentation column experiment. The laboratory experiment was effective to produce a distinct size segregation of the contaminated soil into the coarse and fine fractions, as well as the wash water, indicating that a significant reduction in Napthalene, Phenantrene and Pyrene level (90%) may be achieved. The experimental results show that the removal efficiencies depend on the initial concentration of PAH in the soil sample, the duration of washing and the addition of biosurfactant in the washing solution.

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