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This paper describes the development of a protein-based foam formulation and subsequent investigations into its suitability to enhance the degradation of a model hydrocarbon (n-hexadecane) using novel bench-scale soil microcosms. High-density protein-based foam concentrates based upon those developed by the fire-fighting industry were selected for experimental investigation. Using crude protein hydrolysate as a starting material, a foam formulation was developed with properties suitable for bioremediation studies. This formulation incorporated eight hydrocarbondegrading bacteria that had been selected for their ability to degrade hexadecane. In addition to their ability to utilize n-hexadecane, the bacteria were tested for compatibility with the foam formulation and each other. Seven individual Acinetobacter spp. and a Pseudomonas species were selected for use in the consortium based on these criteria. The use of this "bioactive foam" led to enhanced n-hexadecane degradation when compared to controls without foam. Following 7-d incubation, 60% of the n-hexadecane remained in the soil column using a foamed formulation, as compared to 90% with a nonfoamed control. In a subsequent experiment over a 15-d time course, the authors observed significantly greater n-hexadecane degradation in response to oxygenated bioactive foam treatment.

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