Modelling Efficacy of Soil Vapour Extraction (SVE) in Waste Sites Polluted by Hydrocarbons: A Case Study

Abstract

The effectiveness of soil vapour extraction (SVE) in the remediation of a site polluted by hydrocarbons located in Southern Italy (Brindisi), has been tested by means of experimental data and a computational code. SVE is one of the most frequent techniques used for the remediation of vadose zones contaminated by hydrocarbons. In the case studied, actual BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) and TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) contamination have been considered. The application aimed to examine some technical and economic features of the SVE technique, as well as to point out the very important role of mathematical models in management of contaminated sites. The code simulation predicted both contaminant depletion trends and remediation times at polluted site. The simulation results pointed out different remediation performance for BTEX (more than 150 days) and TPH (more than 600 days) removal. The treatment costs of the simulated SVE "on site" technique resulted competitive with respect to the other "ex site" methods which can be carried out at the same contaminated area and should be encouraged by the local authorities.