Investigation of the Vertical Infiltration of Spilled Oil in Soil Impacted by Root Netting and Surface Rainfall

Zhaonian Qu, Rengyu Yue, Huifang Bi, Shan Zhao, Michel Boufadel, Xiujuan Chen, Chunjiang An

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Inland oil spill accidents pose a negative impact on the health of the soil ecological system and human beings. The oil infiltration process is the main behavior of spilled oil, and its infiltration is influenced by many environmental factors like root netting and rainfall. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of these two important factors on the infiltration process and reduce the pollution of inland oil spill accidents. For root nettings, they can change the soil permeability and pore volume distribution, which are important in liquid infiltration, while rainwater can change the soil water content, thereby affecting the pressure, capillary force, and buoyancy force of spilled oil in the infiltration process. In the present study, these two unique factors of oil infiltration were investigated by detecting the infiltration front head and concentration distribution of spilled oil in soil layers with various root netting structures as well as the rainfall modes. It is found that root netting and surface rainfall critically affect oil infiltration in soil. The nettings with a finer mesh size and denser plant roots show a more significant effect on the infiltration process, particularly when their pore size is smaller than that of the soil. The netting's position and soil particle size also play crucial roles, influencing where oil accumulates within soil layers. Rainfall timing and intensity further modify oil movement, with prior rainfall reducing infiltration, while subsequent rain can increase it. The findings can help better understand the transport of spilled oil transport and implement emergency response measures for inland oil spills.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number04024039
JournalJournal of Environmental Engineering (United States)
Volume150
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • General Environmental Science

Keywords

  • Environmental conditions
  • Oil infiltration
  • Oil spill
  • Rainfall
  • Root netting

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