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Abstract:
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Soil and groundwater contamination is the degrading of the natural quality of the subsurface system. Such contamination is usually thought of in the context of human activities. One of the main sources of contaminants comes from petroleum hydrocarbon materials and products in a variety of industries. Oil accounts for a large percentage of the world’s energy consumption, ranging from a low of 32% for Europe and Asia, up to a high of 53% for the Middle East. More than 50% of petroleum is used for transportation (e.g. gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel). Contaminations are found widely spread everywhere and these should be case studies for other parts of the world. Currently, Thailand consumes a larger amount of fuels than ever. The main proportion of petroleum products consumption is diesel, followed by gasoline (including gasohol), fuel oil, jet fuel, LPG, and kerosene. Past practices of fuel handling, storage, and disposal, along with leaks and spills, may have resulted in extensive underground soil and groundwater contamination. However, little is known for this kind of subsurface contamination in Thailand. This work reviews various case studies, in-situ and laboratory analysis methods for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination, remediation techniques, and different guidelines which are enforced elsewhere. Moreover, the current situation of petroleum hydrocarbon handling and storage in Thailand are explored. These components will be beneficial to a draft guideline for detecting petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in Thailand. The preventive and remedial phases need to be followed, including feasibility study, remedial design, remedial operation and maintenance. |