Application of Hydrogen Peroxide and Fenton as Pre- and Post-treatment Steps for Composting of Bottom Sludge from Crude Oil Storage Tanks

Abstract

In this research the feasibility of chemical oxidation with H₂O₂ and Fenton's reagent for degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons before and after composting of bottom sludge from crude oil storage tanks was investigated. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbons removal in composting reactor was 80.2%. In chemical oxidation steps, petroleum hydrocarbons removal enhanced with increasing oxidant concentrations. Increasing oxidation time from 24 to 48 h had a little effect on petroleum hydrocarbons removal. The study showed that chemical oxidation as a pre-treatment step was more effective than post-treatment. It was also deduced that petroleum hydrocarbons in the sludge and composted mixture can be oxidized by hydrogen peroxide without adding supplementary iron.

Keywords:

• bottom sludge
• crude oil storage tanks
• Fenton
• H₂O₂
• petroleum hydrocarbons