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Field evaluation of bioremediation to treat crude oil on a mudflat
Conference proceeding

Field evaluation of bioremediation to treat crude oil on a mudflat

Richard P. J. Swannell, David J. Mitchell, D. Martin Jones, Alyson Willis, Kenneth Lee and Joe E. Lepo
In situ and on-site bioremediation: papers from the Fourth International In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, Vol.4, pp.401-406
International In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposiummediation, 4th (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 04/28/1997–05/01/1997)
1997

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Abstract

A field evaluation of the use of bioremediation to treat oiled fine sand in the intertidal zone of Stert Flats (Somerset, UK) was conducted and the use of in situ respirometry to monitor bioremediation success was evaluated. Previous experimental studies had shown that superficial oil is rapidly removed from Stert Flats with tidal action removing or depositing 0.05-0.10 m of fine sand in single tidal cycle. Thus, only the oil found at depth, as a result of penetration or burial by sediment deposition is persistent. To evaluate the feasibility of bioremediation to treat this stranded sub-surface oil, a field trial was conducted using inorganic sources of nitrogen and phosphate. Arabian light crude oil (weathered and emulsified with 25% seawater) was added to selected plots a coverage of 4 l.m (super -2) . Regular addition of nutrients (sodium nitrate and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate) were made throughout the three month experiment, beginning 1 week after oil application. The application rate was determined by a separate laboratory study. The success of the bioremediation strategy was determined by chemical analysis of the residual hydrocarbons and monitoring CO (sub 2) evolution in situ. The results suggest that inorganic fertiliser does stimulate the biodegradation and mineralisation of oil buried in the aerobic zone of fine sediments.

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