Evaluation of the Use of Lime and Nanosilica for the Improvement of Clay Soil Structure and Degradation of Hydrocarbons

Soil structure is an important key in the bioremediation process; for instance, clay soils tend to have high absorption of pollutants and low rates due their plasticity oxygen restrictions. This work assesses seven different treatments contaminated soil using lime, silica nanoparticles, both components combination. After a three-month treatment, variation granulometry, pH, porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), humidity, organic matter, respirometry, humic acids were measured order evaluate improvements regarding structure. Furthermore, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) heavy metals monitored before after treatments. The combined treatment lime nanosilica presented best results, reducing percentage clays from 61% 5% showing relationship between improved reduction pollutants, with 35% removal TPHs being highest obtained