Using an integrated planning guide for the selection and design of a multi-process strategy for bioremediation of toxaphene and heavy metal contaminated soil in a tropical region

• The application of pesticides and inappropriate soil management during intensive cotton farming in Chinandega, Nicaragua has left the soil with high residues of toxaphene and potentially several toxic metalloids and heavy metals from the overuse of mineral fertilizers. Most effective remediation approaches are relatively expensive and use technologies that are energy-intensive and hence not applicable in regions with low economic incentives for remediation. The selection of appropriate and low-cost approaches for soil remediation requires a structured and systematic process to ensure reliable outcomes with low environmental impact. The ideal situation is if such projects could contribute to a sustainable development in the region where the remediation is taking place. An Integrated Planning Guide which includes the key concepts of Ecological Engineering within the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development was used in the identification and design of some applicable and efficient approaches for the clean-up of soil in Chinandega. This resulted in the design of a multi-process bioremediation strategy that meets the sustainability criteria of the Integrated Planning Guide and that has the potential to degrade toxaphene and remediate heavy metals and metalloids in the soil using Jatropha curcas L. for phytoremediation in combination with Bio-augmentation, biochar as a soil amendment, and the use of biochar and alginate as carriers of toxaphene degrading inocula.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Ecological Engineering

Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development

Toxaphene

Bio-augmentation

Phytoremediation

Jatropha curcas L.

Biochar

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)