Biodiesel is believed to be more environmentally friendly than petroleum based diesel when used as a carrier for impregnation of PCP into wood products for protecting wood from decay. A six month study was conducted to evaluate the remediation of PCP in biodiesel versus diesel in soil. Different percentages of biodiesel, diesel and PCP were mixed with clean soil from a forested site and tested. Samples were taken bimonthly and analyzed for oil and grease, PCP concentration and microbial enumeration. Moisture content of the soil was adjusted twice weekly if needed. In addition, toxicity and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Potential (TCLP) were measured at day 0 and 180. The results showed that with an increase in the percentage of biodiesel, there was an increase in the degradation of diesel and diesel amended PCP. The highest reduction of PCP concentration and toxicity occurred in biodiesel alone by day 180. Results also showed significant reduction over time in oil and grease concentration, PCP concentration and toxicity among different treatments. Based on this study it appears that the co-metabolic effect of biodiesel on microorganisms could accelerate the degradation of PCP in treated wood after disposal.

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