Biorestoration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon- and Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil: The Role of Vermitechnology
摘要
This chapter is about the biorestoration of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals through the process of vermitechnology. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chemical compounds made up of two or more aromatic rings that are fused and arranged in a linear or clustered pattern. They are highly hydrophobic and resistant to environmental degradation. The pollution of soil by heavy metals poses a huge risk to food security and the environment due to the increase in human population and anthropogenic activities. Biorestoration is a process by which microorganisms and their products are employed to remove contaminants from the soil. Different sources of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment have been identified, including, but not limited to, the application of chemicals in agricultural practices, industrial activities, and naturally occurring forms. Vermitechnology is a process that uses earthworms and their gut-related organisms to accelerate the decomposition of various types of biomass into fertilizer. The formation of the drilosphere, which improves soil aeration, is enhanced through the action of earthworms, leading to the enhancement of plant development and yield via complex mechanical and biochemical reactions between soil abiotic and biotic factors. Vermitechnology is an eco-friendly method of degrading or transforming solid waste into useful or easily degradable products, and it presents an opportunity for resource recovery and recycling. Bacteria are the most widespread and minute microscopic organisms in the soil and are responsible for the degradation of organic matter, nitrogen and sulfur transformation, and nitrogen fixation. Fungi, such as those in the family Actinomycetes and Basidiomycetes (mostly mushrooms), also aid in the decomposition of organic matter. The text explains the different methods of soil biorestoration, such as ex situ biorestoration, in situ techniques, natural attenuation, projected bioremediation, and composting. Therefore, vermitechnology can be described as a biological method suitable for the cleanup of contaminated soil.