Scientists from the Laboratory of Geology of Technogenic Processes of the Natural Science Institute of Perm State National Research University have developed a method for cleaning sand from oil products on the Black Sea coast. In December 2024, the tankers "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239" crashed there.
Researchers have proposed cleaning contaminated soil by activating local microorganisms. This approach can effectively cope with the consequences of the accident.
The technology is based on the activation of natural processes of oil product decomposition. It takes into account not only the characteristics of the pollution, but also the features of the contaminated object itself, including microbiological ones, which allows achieving cleaning without harming the environment.
The new method for cleaning soils and groundwater from oil products uses a special device — a multi-channel well injector. It supplies oxygen to the soil and water, activating microorganisms that decompose oil products. First, the bacteria are collected, their number is increased, and they are returned to the contaminated areas.
Researchers at PSNIU developed the innovative technology in collaboration with the Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing. Initially, it was planned to be used in the Perm Territory. But then scientists proposed using the development to clean the coast of the Kerch Strait after the tanker accident. This decision was approved by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia.
The technology has been tested, and ENI scientists have received samples of sand and sea water for laboratory research. In the future, it is planned to travel to the emergency site for field work.
Earlier, scientists from the Russian State University of Oil and Gas named after I. M. Gubkin and the Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center SB RAS" developed new reagents for eliminating oil spills in water. These agents are capable of reducing the area of contamination by 89–93% in just one minute.
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