Vermiculite of the Inagli Field as a Promising Material for Environmental Use at Reclamation Sites

Abstract

This article discusses experimental studies of the use of local vermiculite from the Inagli field (Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia) as a recultivant on industrially disturbed permafrost-soil ecosystems of Yakutia after emergency oil spills. A brief description of the material composition, physical, chemical and technological properties of local vermiculite, which are close to the properties of vermiculite of the Kovdorskoe field (Murmansk oblast, Russia), is given. The sorption properties of Yakut vermiculite were tested on oil from the Talakan field, gasoline, diesel fuel, and toluene. Vermiculite of the Inagli field is a promising raw material for the production of oil sorbents, especially in connection with the increase in oil production, processing and transportation on the territory of Yakutia. The results of experimental application of hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms (HOM) immobilized on vermiculite in oil-contaminated soils are presented. The technology of using vermiculite raw materials for oil pollution cleaning of various types of permafrost soils provides a significant environmental and economic effect, contributing to reducing the time of rehabilitation of disturbed lands and improving the environment of the disturbed territory.