|
Frequently Asked Questions
Cement & Concrete
Technology Home > FAQs > Oil drips
on pervious concrete
Q: What happens to oil that drips on pervious concrete?
 A:
Several studies have been conducted on the behavior of oil
introduced into a pervious pavement system. Findings show that the
oil is contained within the pervious system as a coating on the
large surface area of the void system and at the location of any
geotextile fabric separating the pavement from the subbase or subgrade
support. Hydrocarbons, such as oils, are a food source for many
naturally occurring bacteria and fungi. The microorganisms feed
on the oil and biodegrade it into simpler chemical components that
are released into the atmosphere. Research has determined that 97.6
to over 99 percent of oils introduced into pervious pavements are
trapped and biodegraded.
References:
Ferguson, Bruce K., (2005) Porous Pavements, Taylor and
Francis, p. 159-160.
Atlas, Ronald M. (1981), “Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbons:
An Environmental Perspective,” Water Science and Technology,
v. 32, p. 49-56
Newman, A.P., Pratt, C.J. Coupe, S.J. and Cresswell, N. (2001),
Oil Bio-Degradation in Permeable Pavements by Inoculated and
indigenous Microbial Communities, NOVATECH 2001, School of
Science and the Environment, Coventry University, UK.
Pratt, C.J., A.P. Newman, and P.C. Bond, (1999), “Mineral
Oil Bio-degradation within a permeable pavement: long term observations,”
Water Science and Technology , v. 39, p. 103-109.
|