Disposal of slop oil and sludges by biodegradation

These pilot tests indicate that immobilized microbial populations can degrade a wide range of crude oils absorbed into a properly prepared peat matrix with surprising speed and flexibility. Depending on the hydrocarbon composition, ultimate disposal by landfarming or landfilling of the residues is possible. In the former case, performance of the landfarm will be enhanced and environmental concerns related to its operation reduced. In terms of ease of operation, capital and operating costs and reduced environmental concerns, the novel bioreactor presented here meets the requirements and cost constraints associated with on-site slop oil and sludge disposal for the sorts of volumes normally encountered. A patent has been applied for (Francis and Jack, 1991). The technological issues in this development process largely arose from requirements and constraints associated with the target application. Scientific issues surrounding the enhanced biodegradation, seen especially for absorbed heavy oil, remain unresolved. These may or may not be picked up in further development and optimization as need and cost allow.