Date of Award
Spring 1987
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Zanoni, A. E.
Second Advisor
Katz, W. J.
Third Advisor
Crandall, C. J.
Abstract
For over a century, creosote has been successfully used to preserve wood products by retarding the growth of microorganisms and insects. Its effectiveness although imposes a health problem because several of its components are potentially harmful to humans. In heavily contaminated areas, creosote can leach through the soil and contaminate ground water supplies before it can be either volatilized, immobilized or degraded. Furthermore, heavily creosote contaminated soils are generally very dark in appearance and void of vegetation. In this investigation, the fate of creosote in soil was evaluated with respect to the soil microorganism population and the growth of rye grass. Bacteriological analyses were performed to relate the microbial counts to the degradation of creosote in the soil. In addition, rye grass was grown in contaminated soil to determine how it was effected by the creosote. Soil amendments were also used to determine whether additional nutrients and humus would increase the partial degradation of creosote and hence, decrease the length of time necessary to treat the contaminated soil.
Recommended Citation
Kerrigan, Maureen Ellen, "Evaluation and Treatment of Creosote in Soil" (1987). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4915.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4915