Actual research and development activities

Study of the determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons in sewage sludge and compost

Combined AiF-Project (Nr. 11606B, 07.1998 till 06.2000) of institute of energy and environmental technique e. V. (IUTA Duisburg) and Kali-Umwelttechnik GmbH, publication: Wasser und Abfall 3 (2001) 5, 62 bis 66.

The determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MHC) in sewage sludge or compost is interfered by hydrocarbons of biogenous derivation (HC). These HC are compounds, which are formed by the micro organisms in the sewage sludge and from plants phytoplankton or originate from oxidations and decompositions in the atmosphere, in water and in soil. The quantification following DIN 38409 part 18 and LAGA-regulation KW/85 gives a sum parameter for both, MHC and HC. Due to the high background contamination of sewage sludge with HC, this parameter shows excessive values leading to problems in the assessment of the usability of the sludge for agricultural and landscaping purposes. Based on a new analytical method for the quantification of MHC in presence of HC a more precise data basis should be achieved for the classification of sewage sludge and compost. This can enhance the potentiality of the material recycling.

Development of methods for the separate determination of mineral oil and biogenous hydrocarbons in soils and for the assessment of their potential risks for water

Combined AiF-Project (Nr. 13890 BG, 07.2004 till 06.2006) of institute of energy and environmental technique e. V. (IUTA Duisburg) and Kali-Umwelttechnik GmbH

Materials containing hydrocarbons can be used for the recultivation of soil following the soil protection law or the BBodSchV. Within these regulations, detailed limit values are given for the subsurface area. In order to obtain these parameters and calculate the risks of the use of recycled materials it is necessary to develop suitable methods for the separate quantification of mineral oil (MHC) and biogenous (HC) hydrocarbons. Based on methods developed in former studies (AiF 11606B) the microbial deprivation and the elution of the MHC and HC is studied under laboratory and semi-natural conditions.
The distribution of MHC and HC is investigated using different extraction methods, gas chromatography and chemometric evaluation of the data depending on the chain length of the MHC or HC. The quantification of the biogenous and anthropogenic HC and the assessment of the potential water risk should be achieved. The new method can be a useful tool for the monitoring, control and regulation of land reclamation and in the search for waste producers.