Remediation efficiency of different methods for rapid-response of microbiological and/or organic matter contaminated beach sand: A laboratory study

In this article we compare the efficiency of different methods of rapid-response remediation of beach sand contaminated with microbiological and/or organic matter. Contaminated beach sands were treated in laboratory by different treatment methods (i.e., oxidation, UV-photoexposure, or thermal methods) and the efficiency of disinfection and breakdown of organic matter were evaluated. Contaminants in raw and treated beach sands were measured by membrane filtration method, and by chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, and chromatographic analysis. All the methods tested were efficient for disinfecting beach sand with microbiological contamination, except for the UV-photoexposure method, which showed only moderate disinfection potential. Chemical degradation efficiency of beach sand contaminated by crude petroleum was higher with Fenton and Photo-Fenton (associated with the use of surfactant and ultrasound) methods. Photo-Fenton method improvement can increase the efficiency of contaminated beach sand treatment, and can also help beach managers when selecting which method to adopt for remedial actions.