Investigation of Soil Contamination and Remediation Processes Following Road Accidents

Abstract

The number of vehicles involved in road traffic has continuously increased in Hungary in recent decades, which could not be followed by the development of transport infrastructure. Heavy traffic can frequently lead to road accidents. Due to accidents vehicles can be so seriously damaged that fuel, lubricants or coolants from the engine, gearbox and other components can spill onto the road surface and infiltrate into the soil. Although environmental protection is one of the main points of interest, the research of the environmental impact of road accidents has not get adequate attention so far, so in this paper we examine the harmful effects of hydrocarbons as the most frequent pollutants to the soil. The most relevant task is the improvement of the remediation organizations in an environmental-conscious way and determine the direction of development. With the introduction of our research results the purpose of the authors is to contribute to proper remediation of contaminated areas due to road accidents and help these activities to be more effective.