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Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Bioremediation process on Brazil shoreline. Laboratory experiments
Anabela P Rosa1, Jorge A Triguis
1Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Engenharia e Exploração de Petróleo, Av. Brenand s/n, Imboacica, Macaé/RJ, Brazil CEP: 27925-310. anabela@lenep.uenf.br
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|December 8, 2007
Summary
This study shows that NPK fertilizer effectively stimulates the bioremediation of oil spills in coastal sediments. The fertilizer promotes the growth of oil-degrading bacteria, reducing hydrocarbon pollution without harming the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Oil spills are a significant marine pollutant, particularly impacting tropical coastlines.
- Bioremediation using microbial processes offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative for oil spill cleanup.
- Limited research exists on bioremediation effectiveness in tropical coastal environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a laboratory bioremediation test using nutrient addition on coastal sediments.
- To analyze the behavior and effectiveness of bioremediation in a simulated oil spill scenario.
- To assess the impact of NPK fertilizer on microbial activity and pollutant degradation.
Main Methods:
- Geochemical analysis (MPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS) to track hydrocarbon changes.
- Microbial counting to determine total and degrading bacteria populations.
- Seawater analysis for nutrient levels (phosphate, ammonium) and toxicity (Microtox tests).
Main Results:
- NPK fertilizer significantly stimulated the biodegradation of saturated hydrocarbon fractions.
- Subsurface sediments showed higher susceptibility to microbial degradation than surface layers.
- Microbial analysis confirmed increased populations of oil-degrading bacteria in bioremediation units.
- Toxicity tests indicated no adverse effects on the local biota from NPK fertilizer application.
Conclusions:
- NPK fertilizer is an effective biostimulant for accelerating oil spill biodegradation in coastal sediments.
- Bioremediation is a viable technique for mitigating oil pollution, with subsurface degradation being more efficient.
- The study confirms the environmental safety of NPK fertilizer for coastal bioremediation applications.
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