EFFECTIVE AND SAFE COMPOSTING OF CHLOROPHENOL-CONTAMINATED SOIL IN PILOT-SCALE

A pilot-scale composting of chlorophenol-contaminated soil was perform ed to compare chlorophenol degradation by two different inoculants, st raw compost and remediated soil, with that by indigenous soil microbes . Four compost piles with a size of 13 m(3) each were constructed. Chl orophenol and chloroanisole concentrations as well as numerous physica l and microbiological parameters were monitored during 6 months of com posting. Over 90% of the chlorophenols were removed during the compost ing period. The biodegradation of chlorophenols was efficient and fast despite the inocula. Frequent mixing and central of the nutrient leve l enhanced the chlorophenol degradation activity of the indigenous mic robes in the contaminated soil. In a parallel bench-scare experiment, an average of 60% mineralization of radiolabeled pentachlorophenol ([C -14]-PCP) was obtained in 4 weeks in 1-kg piles with or without inocul a. This result showed that a major part of chlorophenols was completel y mineralized.