Application of KHSO5 for remediation of soils polluted by organochlorides: A comprehensive study on the treatment's efficacy, environmental implications, and phytotoxicity

Soil pollution caused by complex organochloride mixtures has been increasing in many parts of the world in recent years; as a result, countless numbers of people are exposed to dangerous pollutions; hence, the treatment of organochloridespolluted soils is gaining considerable attention. In this study, the potential of unactivated peroxymonosulfate (KHSO5) in remediating soil co-contaminated with trichlorophenol, para-dichlorobenzene, and para-chloro-meta-cresol was investigated. In addition, the treatment's collateral effect on critical soil properties was explored. The result revealed that treating 10 g of soil with 20 mL of 5 mM KHSO5 for 60 min could oxidize 70.49% of the total pollutants. The pH of the soil was decreased following the treatment. The significant decrease, (p < 0.05), in the soil organic matter following the remediation has affected cation exchange capacity, and available nitrogen. It was also observed that the treatment reduced the beta-glucosidase, urease, invertase, and cellulase activities significantly, (p < 0.05). The treatment, on the other hand, brought negligible effects on available phosphorus, available potassium, and particle size distribution. The phytotoxicity tests, which included seed germination and root elongation and soil respiration tests revealed that the treatment did not leach toxins into the treated soil. The treatment method was found to be relatively ecofriendly and cost effective.

Automated summary

Soil pollution caused by complex organochloride mixtures is a growing concern worldwide, leading to significant exposure of individuals to hazardous pollutants. This study investigated the potential of unactivated peroxymonosulfate (KHSO5) in remediating soil co-contaminated with trichlorophenol, para-dichlorobenzene, and para-chloro-meta-cresol. The treatment showed a high oxidizing efficiency for the total pollutants and had limited impacts on certain soil properties, making it an ecofriendly and cost-effective method.