Potential of bioremediation for buried oil removal in beaches after an oil spill

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Joana Pontes (Author) Other; Ana P Mucha (Author) Other; Hugo Santos (Author) Other; Izabela Reis (Author) Other; Adriano Bordalo (Author) ICBAS; Clara Basto, MC (Author) FCUP; Ana Bernabeu (Author) Other; Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Vol. 76

Pages: 258-265

ISSN: 0025-326X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 26 Citations

Scopus - 36 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Earth and related Environmental sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-JJV

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.08.029

Abstract (EN): Bioremediation potential for buried oil removal, an application still lacking thorough research, was assessed in a specifically designed system in which an artificially contaminated oil layer of sand was buried in a sand column subjected to tidal simulation. The efficiency of biostimulation (BS, fertilizer addition) and bioaugmentation (BA, inoculation of pre-stimulated indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms plus fertilizer) compared to natural attenuation was tested during a 180-day experimental period. The effect of BA was evident after 60 days (degradation of hydrocarbons reached 80%). BS efficacy was revealed only after 120 days. Microorganisms and nutrients added at the top of the sand column were able to reach the buried oil layer and contributed to faster oil elimination, an important feature for effective bioremediation treatments. Therefore, autochthonous BA with suitable nutritive conditions results in faster oil-biodegradation, appears to be a cost-effective methodology for buried oil remediation and contributes to the recovery of oil-impacted areas.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8