Abstract
A spill of weathered Arabian Light crude oil (3.7 kg m −2) on an intertidal sand zone was simulated in the laboratory. Respirometry, chemical and microbiological methods were employed to assess the effectiveness of two bioremediation agents: a slow-release inorganic fertilizer (Max Bac ®) and an oleophilic organic fertilizer (Inipol EAP22). Inipol EAP22 stimulated additional CO 2 evolution, increased both the total chemoheterotrophic population and the number of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms significantly, and increased the rate of mineralization of radiolabelled hexadecane. While the differences were not dramatic after 41 days of exposure, the residual oil extracted from the Inipol-treated sand was significantly more biodegraded (based on the application of the conserved biomarkers: phytane and 17α, 21β hopane) than that observed within the other sand columns. There was no evidence that Max Bac stimulated natural oil biodegradation rates relative to those observed in the control. These observations contrast with findings made previously in the field. The results suggest that differences in product formulations and their interaction with physical factors within sandy beach environments regulate nutrient release and persistence. These effects are significant factors in controlling the efficacy of bioremediation agents.
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