Published
2012-07-02
Metrics
Metrics Loading ...

Bioremediation in soil contaminated with hydrocarbons in Colombia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.952
Section
Artículos de Investigación
María Alejandra Trujillo Toro Constructora Divecon S.A. Área de Gestión Ambiental. Cali. Colombia
Juan Fernando Ramírez Quirama Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD). Escuela de Ciencias Agrícolas, Pecuarias y del Medio Ambiente (ECAPMA). Medellín. Colombia

This study analyzes bioremediation processes of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in Colombia as a sustainable alternative to the deterioration of environmental quality by hydrocarbon spillage. According to national and international environmental law, all waste contaminated with hydrocarbons is considered dangerous waste, and therefore it cannot be released in the ground, water or be incinerated. Such legislation has motivated companies around the world to implement treatment processes for contaminated soils. Within Colombia, oil companies have been implementing the bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in order to manage the waste coming from activities of oil drilling, refinement, transport and distribution.

These practices must be considered viable for their ease of implementation, their low overhead costs, and for the benefits they provide towards environmental quality. Among the positive impacts that these practices have generated, it may consider the following: a solution for the problem of hydrocarbon contaminated soils, alternatives for the ultimate disposal of said waste without affecting ground, water or air resources, the low cost of the operation, and the technical experience of sustainable development which can continue to be implemented in companies dealing with dangerous waste.