Mineralisation of target hydrocarbons in three contaminated soils from former refinery facilities

Abstract

This study investigated the microbial degradation of (14)C-labelled hexadecane, octacosane, phenanthrene and pyrene and considered how degradation might be optimised in three genuinely hydrocarbon-contaminated soils from former petroleum refinery sites. Hydrocarbon mineralisation by the indigenous microbial community was monitored over 23 d. Hydrocarbon mineralisation enhancement by nutrient amendment (biostimulation), hydrocarbon degrader addition (bioaugmentation) and combined nutrient and degrader amendment, was also explored. The ability of indigenous soil microflora to mineralise (14)C-target hydrocarbons was appreciable; ≥ 16% mineralised in all soils. Generally, addition of nutrients or degraders increased the rates and extents of mineralisation of (14)C-hydrocarbons. However, the addition of nutrients and degraders in combination had a negative effect upon (14)C-octacosane mineralisation and resulted in lower extents of mineralisation in the three soils. In general, the rates and extents of mineralisation will be dependent upon treatment type, nature of the contamination and adaptation of the ingenious microbial community.

Responses of microbial community from northern Gulf of Mexico sandy sediments following exposure to deepwater horizon crude oil

“…1b and d), similar to results from previous studies [25,26]. 1b and d), similar to results from previous studies [25,26].…”

Characterization of oily sludge from a refinery and biodegradability assessment using various hydrocarbon degrading strains and reconstituted consortia

“…Such weathering and intrinsic bioremediation processes alter the nature of oil and may influence the effectiveness of active bioremediation strategies (Ramírez et al, 2008). Biodegradability assessment studies can indicate the presence of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms in the sludge and may reveal if bioaugmentation by extraneously added microorganisms and biostimulation with nutrients would be beneficial (Chaîneau et al, 1995;Semple et al, 2007;Towell et al, 2011). This refinery sludge was found to contain an active indigenous microbial community that could achieve 45 ± 17% degradation of oil over 30 days when nutrients were added.…”

Importance of soil physical characteristics for petroleum hydrocarbons phytoremediation: A review

“…This step includes testing and analyzing soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics. These analyses bring details of the degree of succession for the techniques such as microbial-based, bio-stimulation (Haslmayr et al, 2014) and bio-augmentation or phytoremediation in the processes of hydrocarbon degradation (Ayotamuno et al, 2006;Towell et al, 2011).…”