An overview of bioelectrokinetic and bioelectrochemical remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils

The global problem of petroleum contamination in soils seriously threatens environmental safety and human health. Current studies have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of bioelectrokinetic and bioelectrochemical remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils due to their easy implementation, environmental benignity, and enhanced removal efficiency compared to bioremediation. This paper reviewed recent progress and development associated with bioelectrokinetic and bioelectrochemical remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils. The working principles, removal efficiencies, affecting factors, and constraints of the two technologies were thoroughly summarized and discussed. The po-tentials, challenges, and future perspectives were also deliberated to shed light on how to overcome the barriers and realize widespread implementation on large scales of these two technologies.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

Petroleum contamination in soils is a global problem that seriously threatens environmental safety and human health. Recent studies have shown that bioelectrokinetic and bioelectrochemical remediation techniques are feasible and environmentally friendly methods for removing petroleum contaminants from soils. This review summarizes the progress and development of these technologies, including their working principles, removal efficiencies, influencing factors, and limitations. The potentials, challenges, and future perspectives of these technologies are also discussed to promote their widespread implementation on a large scale.