Anaerobic bioremediation approach to remove TPH contaminated soil

Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons including saturate fraction such as n-alkanes, branched alkanes, and cycloalkanes (naphthenes). TPH is normally come from the accidental leakage of storage tanks of lubricating and fuel oils resulting in the soil contamination. TPH is classified as the hazardous material and is considered as the most organic pollutants in the environment [1]. The concentrations of TPH contaminated soil around the world were approximately from 1,400-14,000 mg/kg [2]. In Thailand, the TPH concentrations in some industrial areas were about 39,000-50,000 mg/kg [3]. This high TPH concentration in the soil may cause poor soil quality resulting in the limitation of residential and agricultural uses. Also, it may pollute to the groundwater leading to unable to use as drinking water. As a result, the removal of TPH contaminated to the soil is necessary. One of the high efficiency and low cost operation methods is the anaerobic bioremediation in which microorganisms existing in the soil play an important role in the TPH degradation. In this paper, the principle of the anaerobic bioremediation is addressed. The limitation use of the anaerobic bioremediation is reported. Also, the discussion of the anaerobic bioremediation is described.