FINAL hydrocarbon in the north

Question 1

Challenges to remediation in the north

Answer 1

• Cold climate
• Short growing season
• Poorly developed soils
• Remote locations

Question 2

Why use Soil Amendments to restore soil

Answer 2

• Lack of organic matter,
low pH and high organic/
inorganic contaminants
• Immobilise contaminants
within the soil matrix while
providing conditions that
promote plant growth
• In situ application providing cost-effective ways
to restore natural processes

Question 3

Soil Amendments

Answer 3

Biochar:
Product of thermal degradation of organic matter
under oxygen limited conditions (pyrolysis)
• Produces a highly porous carbon-rich charcoal-like
product

Question 4

In Situ Application

Answer 4

at the site, not offsite

=cost affective

Question 5

Pyrolysis

Answer 5

organic matter under oxygen limited conditions

Question 6

Biochar can

Answer 6

adsorb both organic and inorganic contaminants
• increase water holding capacity of the soil
• increase biomass production
• increase soil pH
• decrease tensile strength
• increase Cation Exchange Capacity
• improve fertilizer use efficiency
• change microbiology of the soil(alter organisms that are present)

• In northern sandy soils biochar may improve the
texture of the soil, which in turn may stimulate
microbial activity driving hydrocarbons
degradation
• In soils with adequate nutrients, temperature, and
θliquid there may be limited response from biochar
applications
• Remediation may be active under frozen
conditions extending remediation periods and
providing new cost-effective remediation
strategies

Question 7

Liquid water (θliquid), limits \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ in frozen soil as unfrozen
water allows the diffusion of microbial substrates and waste products

Answer 7

microbial activity

Question 8

Biochar promoted germination and growth when with ____

Answer 8

lime

Question 9

Biochar may have influenced germination and growth because

Answer 9

retention of soil moisture
• increased temperature at the surface due to low
albedo
• increased nutrient retention
• increasing pH
• reduction in bioavailability
of heavy metals

Question 10

Conclusions

Answer 10

In northern soils biochars may:
• Promote the degradation of hydrocarbons
• Reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals
• Improve soil conditions
• Promote long term re-vegetative success
Further studies:
• Sorption of hydrocarbons/long-term fate of heavy
metals
• Providing effective biochar formulations and optimal
rates
• Efficient application technologies