Use of high-energy ionizing radiation for microbiological decontamination of coastal soil in the Kolubara river basin, Serbia

The Kolubara river pollutes the coastal land in basin and makes it unsuitable for agricultural activities that area. Also, contaminated poses a risk to environment. Different methods can be used soil decontamination. These include biological treatment/bioremediation, chemical oxidation, stabilization, physical methods, such as leaching, or treatment with high-energy ionizing radiation. Gamma irradiation of is well-known method inhibiting microbial activity. This paper investigated influence different doses dose rates gamma on microorganisms' decontamination soil, basin. effects reducing total number microorganisms removing mold pathogenic bacteria from samples were examined. radiation affects soil's organic matter, causing formation free reactive radicals, which act oxidizing agents, cleaving C-C bonds, depolymerizing carbohydrates. It was found 3 kGy radiation, neutralizes all bacteria, 5 deactivates samples, 10 optimal kill sterilize exposed soil. research showed rate does not significantly affect microbiological using irradiation. content heavy metals determined, obtained values compared remediation limit prescribed by regulations. concluded analyzed below values. only exception slightly increased copper one sample. result this conclusion decontaminated treatment. advanced technology available Serbia because there an industrial plant within Vinca Institute.