Hydrocarboncontaminated

Hydrocarbon-contaminated describes environments in which hydrocarbon compounds have been introduced at levels above natural background concentrations. The term is commonly used in environmental science and remediation to refer to soils, groundwater, sediments, and surface waters that contain petroleum hydrocarbons or related chemicals.

Common contaminants include total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and individual fractions such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Sources include spills from tankers and pipelines, leaks from underground storage tanks, vehicle and equipment fueling, improper waste disposal, industrial discharges, and offshore oil activities.

Environmental and health effects vary with composition and exposure. Hydrocarbons can cause soil microbial community disruption, reduced soil fertility, and vegetation stress; in water, they can reduce dissolved oxygen and harm aquatic life. Human health risks arise from inhalation of vapors, ingestion of contaminated water or food, and dermal contact; some constituents are carcinogenic or toxic.

Assessment typically involves sampling soils, groundwater, and surface water, followed by laboratory analysis for TPH and individual hydrocarbon fractions using methods such as GC-FID or GC-MS. Delineation of contamination plumes and risk assessment inform cleanup decisions.

Remediation options include monitored natural attenuation, bioremediation (phytoremediation, bioventing, landfarming), soil excavation and off-site treatment, soil washing, hydraulic or air sparging, and thermal treatment. Preventive measures such as proper tank integrity, secondary containment, spill response planning, and routine monitoring help reduce future hydrocarbon contamination.