Ex situ method and Salix spp. to treat polluted soil with hydrocarbon

Abstract

This study shows the practices for managing ex situ soil with a simulation in which a residue derived from hydrocarbons with a sandy-silty soil was mixed, and two Salix spp. varieties were planted in the mixture. The experiment took place in a greenhouse and controls on plants and soil occurred during 36 months. The experiment aimed at two objectives, the first of which was to evaluate the development and resistance of the plants in the contaminated soil, comparing them with their planting in sandy-silty soil without the residue, and the second was to evaluate the performance of plants as phytoremediators of the residue. This study deals with the first goal. The success in sprouting and in development of the plants was verified in both types of soils. The diameter and height of the stems and the dimensions of the leaves were the measured parameters. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that Salix triandra species developed better. The joint result for both the above mentioned objectives indicated that the ex situ method for treating soils contaminated with hydrocarbons and the planting of two species of willow were effective and can be reproduced in similar conditions to those described in this study.