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Mineralization of organic contaminants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in sludge-soil mixtures

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Abstract

Background and Main Features

The mineralization of eight organic chemicals (surfactants, substituted aromatic compounds, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and phenanthrene) was examined in sludge-soil mixtures under aerobic, denitrifying and methanogenic conditions.

Results and Discussion

Most of the chemicals were extensively or partially mineralized under aerobic conditions with mineralization half-lives between 1.5 and 12.5 days. Linear tridecyl tetra ethoxylate, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and 2,4-dinitrophenol were also mineralized partially under denitrifying conditions. No mineralization of the chemicals was observed under methanogenic conditions, with the exception of a minor mineralization of linear tridecyl tetraethoxylate.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the examined organic chemicals may be rapidly degraded in sludge-amended fields under aerobic conditions, and that some of the chemicals may also be degraded during denitrification.

Recommendations and Outlook

When investigating the degradation of sludge-bound chemicals in soil, it is relevant to consider both aerobic and anaerobic soil regimes due to spatial and temporal variations in the redox conditions within sludge and soil. The approach presented in this article may be used for evaluation of the long-term fate of sludge-bound chemicals in soil.

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Author notes

  1. Bo Gejlsbjerg

    Present address: , Novo Nordisk A/S, Hallas Allé, DK-4400, Kalundborg, Denmark

Authors and Affiliations

  1. DHI Water & Environment, Department of Ecotoxicology, Agern Allé 11, DK-2970, Horsholm, Denmark

    Bo Gejlsbjerg, Trine T. Andersen & Torben Madsen

Authors
  1. Bo Gejlsbjerg
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  2. Trine T. Andersen
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  3. Torben Madsen
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Correspondence to Trine T. Andersen.

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Gejlsbjerg, B., Andersen, T.T. & Madsen, T. Mineralization of organic contaminants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in sludge-soil mixtures. J Soils & Sediments 4, 30–36 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990826

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990826

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