Enhancing decontamination of PAHs-polluted soils: Role of organic and mineral amendments

The organic and mineral amendments are an important tool for remediation and bioremediation of contaminated soils. The addition of these amendments in the polluted soils is a strategy that requires scientific and technological bases for reaching high degradation rates because after the amendment addition, many biological, chemical, and physical processes are started. The organic soil amendments as the wastewater sludge (biosolids), compost, vermicompost, manures, digestates, or any stabilized organic by-product or organic waste could be used to dissipate pollutants. Additionally, foundry sand, gypsum, coal combustion products, and volcanic ashes, among others, are mineral amendments also useful for the degradation of pollutants. This chapter provides the cutting-edge knowledge for enhancing the remediation or bioremediation processes through the addition of organic and/or mineral materials in order to improve the performance of the polluted system and enhance the biological, chemical, and physical interactions. The objectives of this chapter are (i) to analyze the relevant state of the art, (ii) to discuss the main advantages and disadvantages linked with the use of organic and mineral amendments for remediation, and (iii) to provide some experiences on remediation and bioremediation of PAHs-polluted soils.