COMPOSTING IN BIO-PILES FOR THE CLEAN-UP OF SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS

Abstract

There are several bioremediation technologies used to recover soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons as consequence of oil production. Landfarming is a cleaning technology of frequent use. However, when it is not feasible, emerging technologies can be used, such as composting in bio-piles. In this document, the bases of the composting process in bio-piles are described, as well as the conditions that favor their functioning in the recuperation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. In addition, the advantages over other bioremediation technologies are presented, and the characteristics which make a technology become increasingly implemented are highlighted, which include the periodic counting of functional groups of mechanisms through molecular methods of genetic expression.