Current Trends in Wood Preservation with Emphasis on Approaches for the Remediation of Soils Contaminated with Pentachlorophenol and Creosote

There is a clamor for the production and use of ecofriendly products and technologies that do not compromise soil quality and environmental health. Traditional dredging techniques for cleaning up contaminated sediments have been reported as expensive, sometimes inefficient, invasive, and stressful to apply. However, studies have shown that a combination of selected in situ techniques such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), surfactant inclusion, use of activated carbon and biochar, soil washing, and bioremediation can constitute a highly effective long-term solution for the treatment of contaminated sites. The present review article is focused on identifying, appraising, and elaborating on modern-day and environmentally friendly strategies for treating soils contaminated with long-running wood preservatives, specifically, pentachlorophenol (Penta) and creosote. Penta and creosote used to be some of the most commonly used wood preservatives until their restriction and/or ban owing to the toxicity potential they pose to humans and aquatic organisms. This review further elucidates on emerging replacements for Penta and creosote such as dichloro-octyl-isothiazolinone (DCOI), alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), and copper azole (CuAz). Finally, it highlights on future perspectives within the wood treatment industry.