Bioremediation Technology Development and Application to the Alaskan Spill

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bioremediation was used to clean oil-contaminated shorelines in Prince William Sound following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Among the approaches considered for enhancing natural rates of oil biodegradation, nutrient applications became the principal focus. Bioremediation studies were conducted in a cooperative effort of Exxon, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and scientists in academia. Field testing of nutriation of indigenous oil-eating microorganisms was conducted early in the summer of 1989, and full-scale application followed. Monitoring during the fall and winter of 1989–90 revealed the evident benefit of the technique and supported additional applications in 1990. The efficacy of bioremediation was demonstrated by measurement of numbers of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, microbial hydrocarbon-degrading activities, and chemical changes in residual oil. This paper discusses laboratory and field programs demonstrating the efficacy and environmental safety of bioremediation, and reviews the materials and methods chosen for large-scale application.