The reclamation of northern soil is considered nearly impossible after environmental disasters related to fuel leaks, according to Surgut State University, which published its study results on the research site ‘Processes.’ This is due to the depletion of organic compounds and high acidity, making the soil particularly vulnerable. The situation is worsened by low temperatures that ‘trap’ diesel in soil particles, poisoning the environment for years.
Oleg Soturmin, Vice President of Surgut State University for Science and Technology, told ‘Sputnik’: ‘Specialists have proposed using Tween 80 at doses safe for living organisms, as the soil acts like a sponge, absorbing diesel fuel into its pores. The fuel usually remains trapped in these pores for a long time, and Tween 80 acts as a mild detergent, removing fuel particles from the soil surface, making them removable or further degradable.’
Soturmin confirmed that even in harsh Siberian conditions, a significant reduction in soil pollution can be achieved without using heavy machinery, heating the soil, or harmful chemicals. Within three months, the proportion of petroleum products in the soil decreases by 15-21% with the addition of Tween 80, while also reducing soil acidity from fuel leaks and creating more favorable conditions for recovery.
Tween 80 is distinguished by its feature as a soft, low-toxicity surfactant already used in medicine and the food industry, as explained by Soturmin. Specialists plan to monitor the impact of Tween 80 on soil during natural temperature fluctuations and rainfall, and scientists will also observe the condition of soil exposed for longer periods to this detergent.
