Characteristics and source tracing of pollution in soil and groundwater of a retired coking plant in Shanxi Province

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Soil Science

Background:

• Coking plants are major industrial polluters impacting soil, groundwater, ecosystems, and human health.
• Understanding contaminant distribution at decommissioned sites is crucial for effective remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate contamination characteristics and spatial distribution of soil and groundwater pollutants at a decommissioned coking plant.
• To provide science-based recommendations for remediation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Field investigation of soil and groundwater at a coking plant in Shanxi Province, China.
• Analysis of contaminant concentrations, spatial distribution, and vertical profiles.
• Assessment of pollutant migration depths.

Main Results:

• Severe soil contamination identified, with benzene, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) as primary pollutants.
• Contamination exhibited a patchy distribution, concentrated in production, storage, and sewage areas.
• Vertical migration depths varied: ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) > benzene > polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) > PHs.

Conclusions:

• Targeted, graded soil removal measures should be based on contaminant vertical transport depth.
• Groundwater remediation should focus on controlling migration and treating benzene, naphthalene (NAP), and NH3-N.
• The study provides insights into contaminant transport mechanisms for coking sites, aiding remediation strategy development.