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Project partners: METLAB GmbH, Innovationsstraße 8, 3041 Asperhofen, Austria.
Function of the Project Partner: Partner

Staff: Arthaber Stefan, Project Staff (bis 30.09.2016); Huber Anita, Project Staff (bis 30.09.2016); Lausch Michael, Project Staff (bis 30.04.2016); Waldmann Niels, Project Staff

Funded by: Amt der Niederösterreichischen Landesregierung, Landhausplatz 1, A-3109 St. Pölten, Austria; Eigenfinanzierung - Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Bundesmittel), Gregor Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Wien, Austria

Abstract: The aim of this study comprises the investigation and elucidation of soil-pollutant interactions that on one hand determine the sorption of PAHs to solid phases and on the other hand may exert a limitation to PAH degradation. The mobile fraction of a certain contaminant in soil comprises molecules that desorb with a certain ease to the water phase whereas the non-accessible pollutant share is strongly bound to soil matter and not released in relevant time frames.
Based on results of retention/release studies, lab tests are applied to investigate potential limitations of biological contaminant degradation. Strong binding of hydrophobic organic contaminants to distinct soil components may lead to a decrease of the amount of accessible PAH molecules and therefore limit biodegradation. It is intended to investigate and assess potential limitations and to find strategies to overcome such bioremediation restrictions.

Keywords: Environmental chemistry ; Remediation of contaminated sites; Environmental engineering;; Biodegradation; Bioavailability; PAH; Sorption;