Biodegradation Of Hydrocarbons Research Articles

DETOXIFYING ABILITY OF PEAT HUMIC ACIDS TO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN THE SOIL ECOSYSTEM

The stimulating effect of humic acids on the growth of the biomass of the test object was established. А series of positive effects on the biomass of seedlings was proposed. The correlation dependence of the effect of toxicants on the cockweed on its composition was revealed. It was shown that the light ends of oil has a minimal toxic effect on cockweed due to increased volatility, in contrast to petroleum. The detoxifying ability of peat humic acids was established separately and together with oil-degrading microorganisms of the genus Rhodococcus on the inert substrate by the method of biotesting. Humic acids had a stimulating effect on the test object regardless of their genesis. The maximum stimulating effect on the test object was exhibited by humic acids isolated from fen peats. The biomass of cockweed seedlings on contaminated soil in the presence of humic acids and microorganisms of the genus Rhodococcus in all variants of experiments with model toxicants was higher compared to the variant without treatment with humic acids. The detoxification coefficients of humic acids were calculated separately and together with oil-degrading microorganisms of the genus Rhodococcus in the relation to hexadecane: the humic acids of sphagnum high-moor peat and sphagnum transitional peat showed the maximum detoxifying effect: 70−75%. Combined use of humic acids and microorganisms Rh. erythropolis S67, Rh. erythropolis X5 increased the detoxifying effect of humic acids by 4−22%. The values of the detoxification coefficients vary in the range of 59−85%, depending on the genesis of humic acids and the selected strain of microorganisms. The values of the detoxification coefficients of humic acids together with moil-degrading microorganisms of the genus Rhodococcus exceed the indicators of control and experimental options using only humic acids due to the ability of Rhodococcus to produce biologically active surfactants capable of more emulsification and biodegradation of oil hydrocarbons in the environment.

Multiple Lines of Evidence for Estimating NSZD Rates Overlying a Shallow LNAPL Source Zone

AbstractQuantitative methods of monitoring natural source zone depletion (NSZD) via biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) are required to investigate source zone longevity and guide long‐term management of PHC impacted sites. Vadose zone NSZD processes can be monitored using analysis of surficial CO2 effluxes, soil‐gas gradients, and thermal gradients. This study describes an applied research and development program conducted at a former refinery site over a 4‐year period (2015 to 2019) on quantitative technologies for evaluation of NSZD of PHC light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) present within a shallow soil zone. A multiyear study using discrete CO2 efflux measurements from dynamic closed chambers was compared with estimates obtained using static traps and continuous monitoring using forced diffusion (FD) technology. Thermistor strings along a transect were used to monitor hourly thermal gradients and assess NSZD rates using the temperature gradient method. Discrete soil‐gas data were used to quantify the vertical oxygen gradient to estimate NSZD rates using the concentration gradient method (CGM). Results of discrete and continuous monitoring methods provide estimates of monthly NSZD rates that range seasonally from 80 to 1300 US gal/acre/year using radiocarbon corrected CO2 efflux method for decane (C10H22) equivalent, 120 to 1600 US gal/acre/year using CGM (for wet to dry conditions) and 400 to 2000 US gal/acre/year using the temperature gradient method. Both seasonal temperature and precipitation fluctuations contribute to variability in rates. Continuous methods are shown to provide for improved resolution of temporal variability and seasonal estimates, although discrete methods provide for improved spatial quantification.

НОВЫЕ НАХОДКИ БИОДЕГРАДИРОВАННЫХ НАФТИДОВ В ПОРОДАХ ХАТЫСПЫТСКОЙ СВИТЫ ВЕНДА ОЛЕНЕКСКОГО ПОДНЯТИЯ

The geochemistry of organic matter (OM) and rocks from new sections of the Vendian Khatyspyt Formation on the Olenek uplift has been studied. The analysis of bitumens revealed signs of deep biodegradation of saturated hydrocarbons (HCs), demethylated terpanes in six samples. The present work is aimed at identifying the composition features of the OM components from rocks, containing biodegraded bitumens and assessing the Khatyspyt Formation rocks as potentially source ones. It was found that the rocks are enriched with OM, which accumulated under reducing conditions with possible sulphurous contamination of near–bottom waters, the water column was stratified. Its maturity on the Olenek Uplift corresponds to the initial stages of mesocatagenesis (the early oil window), it could generate naphthides. Comparative molecular analysis of saturated HCs showed that the source of biodegraded bitumens was represented by the dispersed OM of the Khatyspyt Formation. The peculiarities of HCs distribution indicate several stages of primary migration of bitumens. It is assumed that not only potentially oil source rocks can be distributed in the Khatyspyt Formation, but also rocks that are re-enriched with naphthides.

Effects of regular addition and discontinuation of biosurfactant on hydrocarbon biodegradation and microorganisms in heavy oily sludge

Effects of regular addition and discontinuation of biosurfactant on hydrocarbon biodegradation and microorganisms in heavy oily sludge

Oil biodegradation in permeable marine sediments: Effects of benthic pore-water advection and solute exchange

Oil spills have been recognized as among the worst kinds of environmental disasters, causing severe coastal ecological and economic damages. Although benthic flow and solute fluxes are known to have strong impacts on fate and transport of oil deposited within marine sediments, their endogenous mechanisms still remain to be uncovered. In this paper, simulations of flow and solute transport processes along with hydrocarbon biodegradation were conducted in a cylindrical benthic chamber system to investigate influences of benthic hydrodynamics on oil biodegradation in permeable marine sediments. Results show that ripple-flow interactions create subsurface recirculation cells whereby seawater infiltrates into the benthic sediments at ripple troughs while groundwater discharges near the crests. It results in a spatially varied oil biodegradation rate in marine sediments. Significant oil biodegradation occurs near sediment ripple troughs due to direct oxygen recharge, while biodegradation of oil deposited uphill becomes slow due to limited oxygen replenishment. Oil biodegradation decreases subsurface oxygen content, and consequently impedes discharge of oxygen from benthic sediments. Our results reveal a dynamic interaction between oil biodegradation and benthic flow and solute transport processes, which has strong implications for predicting oil persistence and biodegradation within marine sediments and its associated impacts on benthic biogeochemical processes.

Anaerobic Degradation of Naphthalene and Pyrene by Sulfate-Reducing Cultures Enriched from Former Manufactured Gas Plant Soil

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under completely anaerobic sulfate-reducing conditions is an energetically challenging process. To date, anaerobic degradations of only two-ringed naphthalene and three-ringed phenanthrene by sediment-free and enriched sulfate-reducing bacteria have been reported. In this study, sulfate-reducing enrichment cultures capable of degrading naphthalene and four-ringed PAH, pyrene, were enriched from a contaminated former gas plant site soil. Bacterial community composition analysis revealed that a naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture, MMNap, was dominated (84.90%) by a Gram-positive endospore-forming member of the genus Desulfotomaculum with minor contribution (8.60%) from a member of Clostridium. The pyrene-degrading enrichment, MMPyr, was dominated (97.40%) by a species of Desulfotomaculum. The sequences representing the Desulfotomaculum phylotypes shared 98.80% similarity to each other. After 150 days of incubation, MMNap degraded 195 µM naphthalene with simultaneous reduction of sulfate and accumulation of sulfide. Similarly, MMPyr degraded 114 µM pyrene during 180 days of incubation with nearly stochiometric sulfate consumption and sulfide accumulation. In both cases, the addition of sulfate reduction inhibitor, molybdate (20 mM), resulted in complete cessation of the substrate utilization and sulfate reduction that clearly indicated the major role of the sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculum in biodegradation of the two PAHs. This study is the first report on anaerobic pyrene degradation by a matrix-free, strictly anaerobic, and sulfate-reducing enrichment culture.

Neutralization of Industrial Alkali-Contaminated Soil by Different Agents: Effects and Environmental Impact

Industrial soil is susceptible to acid or alkali pollution, but studies focused on the remediation of such soil are still limited. This manuscript investigated the neutralization effect of five agents (hydrochloric acid, citric acid, ferrous sulfate, calcium superphosphate and raw gypsum) to alkali polluted soil. The results showed that regarding the initial pH after the neutralizing agent addition, it was better to set it lower than the target, as the pH would rebound. None of the five agents caused an obvious increase in the heavy metal contents of the leachates, but they all caused an increase in electrical conductivity, which indicated an increase in soil salinity. The leachates showed a luminous gain to Vibrio fischeri. However, remediation with hydrochloric acid would cause significant inhibition of germination and root elongation of pakchoi. In addition, the addition of neutralizing agents reshaped the soil microbial community structure in different patterns. Soils treated with hydrochloric acid and ferrous sulfate seemed to improve the microbial richness. The neutralization might be favorable for the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which usually coexist in industrial contaminated soil. In general, the neutralization of alkaline industrial soils using ferrous sulfate, superphosphate and gypsum brought minimal environmental risk, among which ferrous sulfate was the first recommendation in industrial soil after a comprehensive comparison.

Mixed bacterial consortium can hamper the efficient degradation of crude oil hydrocarbons.

Crude oil degradation efficiency can be improved because of co-metabolism that exists when bacterial consortium is applied. However, because of possible vulnerability to environmental conditions and/or antagonistic interactions among members of the consortium, the degradation efficiency can be hampered. In this laboratory-based study, the biodegradation potentials of pure bacterial isolates namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain W15 (MW320658), Providencia vermicola strain W8 (MW320661) and Serratia marcescens strain W13 (MW320662) earlier isolated from crude oil-contaminated site and their consortium were evaluated using 3% crude oil-supplemented Bushnell Haas media. The efficiency was evaluated based on the viable cell count, biosurfactant analyses, percentage hydrocarbon degradation using gravimetric analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. There was decline in the population of W13 and predominance of W15 in the consortium as the incubation period progressed. Accelerated biodegradation of the crude oil hydrocarbons through co-metabolism was not achieved with the consortium; neither was there any improved resilience nor resistance to environmental changes of strain W13. The GC-MS analyses showed that the highest degradation was produced by W15 (48.23%) compared to W8 (46.04%), W13 (45.24%) and the Consortium (28.51%). The biodegradation of the crude oil hydrocarbons by W15, W8, W13 axenic cultures and their consortium treatments demonstrated that the bacterial constituent in a consortium can influence the synergistic effect that improves bioremediation. Future research that focuses on evaluating possible improvement in bioremediation through maintenance of diversity by continuous bioaugmentation using vulnerable but efficient degraders in a consortium is necessary to further understand the application of consortia for bioremediation improvement.

Anaerobic phenanthrene biodegradation by a new salt-tolerant/halophilic and nitrate-reducing Virgibacillus halodenitrificans strain PheN4 and metabolic processes exploration

The biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under hypersaline environments has received increasing attention, whereas the study of anaerobic PAH biodegradation under hypersaline environments is still lacking. Here, we found a pure culture designated PheN4, which was affiliated with Virgibacillus halodenitrificans and could degrade phenanthrene with nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor and a wide range of salinities (from 0.3% to 20%) under anaerobic environments. The optimal salinity for biodegradation of phenanthrene by PheN4 was 5%, which could degrade 93.5% of 0.62 ± 0.04 mM phenanthrene within 10 days with the initial inoculum of 0.01 gVSS/L. Meanwhile, an increased microbial amount could efficiently promote the phenanthrene biodegradation rate. The metabolic processes of anaerobic phenanthrene biodegradation under hypersaline conditions by PheN4 were proposed based on intermediates and genome analyses. Phenanthrene was initially activated via methylation to form 2-methylphenanthrene. Next, fumarate addition and β-oxidation or direct oxidation of the methyl group, ring reduction and ring cleavage were identified as the midstream and downstream steps. In addition, PheN4 could utilize benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene as carbon sources, but Benz[a]anthracene, pyrene, and Benzo[a]pyrene could not be biodegraded by PheN4. This study could provide some guidance for the bioremediation of PAH pollutants in anaerobic and hypersaline zones.

Taxonomic and functional trait-based approaches suggest that aerobic and anaerobic soil microorganisms allow the natural attenuation of oil from natural seeps

Natural attenuation, involving microbial adaptation, helps mitigating the effect of oil contamination of surface soils. We hypothesized that in soils under fluctuating conditions and receiving oil from seeps, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as fungi could coexist to efficiently degrade hydrocarbons and prevent the spread of pollution. Microbial community diversity was studied in soil longitudinal and depth gradients contaminated with petroleum seeps for at least a century. Hydrocarbon contamination was high just next to the petroleum seeps but this level drastically lowered from 2 m distance and beyond. Fungal abundance and alpha-diversity indices were constant along the gradients. Bacterial abundance was constant but alpha-diversity indices were lower next to the oil seeps. Hydrocarbon contamination was the main driver of microbial community assemblage. 281 bacterial OTUs were identified as indicator taxa, tolerant to hydrocarbon, potentially involved in hydrocarbon-degradation or benefiting from the degradation by-products. These taxa belonging to lineages of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, have specific functional traits indicating the development of a complex community adapted to the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and to fluctuating conditions. Fungi are less impacted by oil contamination but few taxa should contribute to the metabolic complementary within the microbial consortia forming an efficient barrier against petroleum dissemination.

Biodegradation of Spent Automobile Engine Oil in Soil Microcosms Amended with Cow Dung

The discharge of spent engine oil in terrestrial and aquatic environments constitutes public health and socio-economic hazards. In this study, the potentials of organic waste (cow dung) amendments as biostimulating agents of the indigenous microflora for hydrocarbon biodegradation in soil microcosms deliberately contaminated with spent engine oil (5%v/w) was investigated for a period of 6 weeks. Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of soil samples was determined using standard methods. A microcosm constructed consists of 8 trays containing 1kg of soil, artificially contaminated with 50ml of spent engine oil and treated with 50g, 100g and 150g of cow dung. Spent engine oil degradation was assessed gravimetrically at weekly interval and chromatographically after 6 weeks of biodegradation treatment. Results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the pH of soil was 6.56 while nitrate, moisture content, phosphate and total organic content were 0.82mg/kg, 9.28%, 0.73mg/kg and 3.60mg/kg respectively. Microbiological analysis of the soil sample showed that the total heterotrophic bacteria were 3.6x106cfu/g, while total heterotrophic fungal and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) were 2.2x104cfu/g and 7.9 x104cfu/g respectively. The mean value of the total viable counts (TVC) population of hydrocarbon-utilizers was higher in biostimulated soil which ranged from (2.10x105-5.30x109cfu/g) compared with that of control (1.20x105-3.10x108cfu/g). Residual oil concentration showed a more remarkable decrease throughout the incubation period (0.400-0.259mg/g, 0.420-0.218mg/g and 0.410-0.220mg/g for treatments 1, 2 and 3 respectively) when compared to that of control which ranged from 0.400-0.304mg/g. At the end of 6 weeks of microcosms biodegradation studies, percentage degradations of the spent engine oil were 23.81%, 35.29%, 45.45% and 44.94% for CON, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The result obtained from this study showed that cow dung can be effectively used as a biostimulant during bioremediation of spent engine oil polluted site to enhance biodegradation ability of the indigenous microbial population.

Impact of biosurfactant and iron nanoparticles on biodegradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous toxic contaminants and considered as primary pollutants due to their persistent nature and most of them are carcinogenic and mutagenic. The key challenge in PAHs degradation is their hydrophobic nature, which makes them one of the most complex materials and inaccessible by a broad range of microorganisms. This bioavailability can be increased by using a biosurfactant. In the present study mixed PAHs were degraded using the biosurfactant producing bacterial strains. In addition, iron nanoparticles were synthesized and the impact of iron nanoparticles on the growth of the mixed bacterial strains (Pseudomonas stutzeri NA3 and Acinetobacter baumannii MN3) was optimized. The mixed PAHs (anthracene, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene) degradation was enhanced by addition of biosurfactant (produced by Bacillus subtilis A1) and iron nanoparticles, resulting in 85% of degradation efficiency. The addition of the biosurfactant increased the bioavailability of the PAHs in the aqueous environment, which might help bacterial cells for the initial settlement and development. The addition of iron nanoparticles increased both bacterial biomass and PAHs adsorption over their surface. These overall interactions assisted in the utilization of PAHs by the mixed bacterial consortia. This study illustrates that this integrated approach can be elaborated for the removal of the complex PAHs pollutants from soil and aqueous environments.

Predicting Primary Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Aquatic Systems: Integrating System and Molecular Structure Parameters using a Novel Machine-Learning Framework.

Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models for predicting primary biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons have been previously developed. These models use experimental data generated under widely varied conditions, the effects of which are not captured adequately within model formalisms. As a result, they exhibit variable predictive performance and are unable to incorporate the role of study design and test conditions on the assessment of environmental persistence. To address these limitations, a novel machine‐learning System‐Integrated Model (HC‐BioSIM) is presented, which integrates chemical structure and test system variability, leading to improved prediction of primary disappearance time (DT50) values for petroleum hydrocarbons in fresh and marine water. An expanded, highly curated database of 728 experimental DT50 values (181 unique hydrocarbon structures compiled from 13 primary sources) was used to develop and validate a supervised model tree machine‐learning model. Using relatively few parameters (6 system and 25 structural parameters), the model demonstrated significant improvement in predictive performance (root mean square error = 0.26, R 2 = 0.67) over existing QSPR models. The model also demonstrated improved accuracy of persistence (P) categorization (i.e., “Not P/P/vP”), with an accuracy of 96.8%, and false‐positive and ‐negative categorization rates of 0.4% and 2.7%, respectively. This significant improvement in DT50 prediction, and subsequent persistence categorization, validates the need for models that integrate experimental design and environmental system parameters into biodegradation and persistence assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1359–1369. © 2022 ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Hydrolysis of Methylumbeliferyl Substrate Proxies for Esterase Activities as Indicator for Microbial Oil Degradation in the Ocean: Evidence from Observations in the Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Gulf of Mexico)

Biological oil weathering facilitated by specialized heterotrophic microbial communities plays a key role in the fate of petroleum hydrocarbon in the ocean. The most common methods of assessing oil biodegradation involve (i) measuring changes in the composition and concentration of oil over time and/or (ii) biological incubations with stable or radio-labelled substrates. Both methods provide robust and invaluable information on hydrocarbon biodegradation pathways; however, they also require extensive sample processing and are expensive in nature. More convenient ways to assess activities within microbial oil degradation networks involve measuring extracellular enzyme activity. This perspective article synthesizes previously published results from studies conducted in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DwH) oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM), to test the hypothesis that fluorescence assays of esterases, including lipase activity, are sensitive indicators for microbial oil degradation in the ocean. In agreement with the rates and patterns of enzyme activity in oil-contaminated seawater and sediments in the nGoM, we found close correlations between esterase activity measured by means of methylumbeliferyl (MUF) oleate and MUF butyrate hydrolysis, and the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in two separate laboratory incubations using surface (<1 m) and deep nGoM waters (>1200 m). Correlations between esterase activities and oil were driven by the presence of chemical dispersants, suggesting a connection to the degree of oil dissolution in the medium. Our results clearly show that esterase activities measured with fluorogenic substrate proxies are a good indicator for oil biodegradation in the ocean; however, there are certain factors as discussed in this study that need to be taken into consideration while utilizing this approach.

ITRAQ based characterization of proteomic change in petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different pH conditions

In this study, a global proteomic change was characterized by iTRAQ analysis and bioinformatics analysis to study the influence by different pH conditions on proteins accumulation when Pseudomonas aeruginosa P6 degraded petroleum hydrocarbons. Compared with the condition of pH 7.2, 228 proteins in pH 5.0 and 93 proteins in pH 8.5 were identified as differentially accumulated proteins. The results further showed that in the condition of pH 5.0, fourteen chemotaxis-related proteins, two uptake-related proteins, two cytochromes, nineteen ABC transporters and five porins were downregulated, while two dioxygenases, five β-oxidation-related proteins and one acyl-CoA metabolism-related protein were upregulated. In the condition of pH 8.5, one fimbrial protein, one aldehyde dehydrogenase, eight ABC transporters and six porins were downregulated, while five terminal oxidation-related proteins, one alcohol dehydrogenase, one β-oxidation-related protein and one acyl-CoA metabolism-related protein were upregulated. The results indicated that in the condition of pH 5.0, chemotaxis and uptake of carbon, terminal oxidation of short-chain alkanes and transmembrane transport which are considered as key cellular processes in biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in P.aeruginosa P6 may be disturbed. While in the condition of pH 8.5, the activity of transmembrane transport may decrease.

Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Organic Matter in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments from Shenhu Area, South China Sea.

Rock-Eval pyrolysis and the biomarker composition of organic matter were systematically studied in hydrate-bearing sediments from the Shenhu area, South China Sea. The n-alkane distribution patterns revealed that the organic matter in the sediments appeared to originate from mixed sources of marine autochthonous input, terrestrial higher plants, and ancient reworked organic matter. The low total organic carbon contents (average < 0.5%) and the low hydrogen index (HI, <80 mg HC/g TOC) suggested the poor hydrocarbon-generation potential of the deposited organic matter at a surrounding temperature of <20 °C in unconsolidated sediments. The abnormally high production index and the fossil-originated unresolved complex mixture (UCM) accompanied by sterane and hopane of high maturity indicated the contribution of deep hydrocarbon reservoirs. Preliminary oil-to-source correlation for the extracts implied that the allochthonous hydrocarbons in the W01B and W02B sediments might have originated from the terrestrial source rocks of mature Enping and Wenchang formations, while those of W03B seem to be derived from more reduced and immature marine source rocks such as the Zhuhai formation. The results of the organic extracts supported the previous identification of source rocks based on the isotopic composition of C2+ hydrate-bound gases. The biomarker of methanogens, squalane, was recognized in the sediments of this study, possibly suggesting the generation of secondary microbial gases which are coupled with the biodegradation of the deep allochthonous hydrocarbons.

Effect of Hydrocarbon Presence and Properties on the Magnetic Signature of the Reservoir Sediments of the Catcher Area Development Region, UK North Sea

This paper presents a detailed study investigating the effect of hydrocarbon presence on magnetic mineral diagenesis in sediments from the Catcher Area Development (CAD) region, UK North Sea, between 1,000 and 1,500 m (True Vertical Depth Sub-Sea). Magnetic analysis of core samples from hydrocarbon fields of the region and nearby dry-well sandstones (background) was carried out to determine if their signatures can serve as a proxy for understanding petroleum reservoir systems. From the background samples, nanometric and micron-sized magnetite, hematite and titano-iron oxides, were identified. Hydrocarbon presence in the reservoir sediments was found to diminish the iron-oxide signature and favour the precipitation of hexagonal pyrrhotite, siderite and potentially vivianite, lepidocrocite, greigite and paramagnetic iron sulphides. Hexagonal pyrrhotite was found at the oil-water transition zones. This relationship is possibly related to biodegradation at this interface. Siderite was found in increased abundance at shallower depths within the reservoir, which we attribute to hydrocarbon vertical migration and biodegradation. The interbedded shales also experienced significant magnetic mineral diagenesis that depended on its proximity to the hydrocarbon plume. These findings suggest that mineral magnetism can be applied to the identification of oil-water transition zones, reserve estimation, production planning and the determination of hydrocarbon migration pathways. It also suggests that mineral magnetic methods can be used to estimate the timing of hydrocarbon migration.

Microbial bioremediation of produced water under different redox conditions in marine sediments

The discharge of produced water from offshore oil platforms is an emerging concern due to its potential adverse effects on marine ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and capability of using marine sediments for the bioremediation of produced water. We utilized a combination of porewater and solid phase analysis in a series of sediment batch incubations amended with produced water and synthetic produced water to determine the biodegradation of hydrocarbons under different redox conditions. Significant removal of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) compounds was observed under different redox conditions, with biodegradation efficiencies of 93−97% in oxic incubations and 45−93% in anoxic incubations with nitrate, iron oxide or sulfate as the electron acceptor. Higher biodegradation rates of BTEX were obtained by incubations dominated by nitrate reduction (104−149 nmolC/cm3/d) and oxygen respiration (52−57 nmolC/cm3/d), followed by sulfate reduction (14−76 nmolC/cm3/d) and iron reduction (29−39 nmolC/cm3/d). Chemical fingerprint analysis showed that hydrocarbons were biodegraded to smaller alcohols/acids under oxic conditions compared to anoxic conditions with nitrate, indicating that the presence of oxygen facilitated a more complete biodegradation process. Toxicity of treated produced water to the marine copepod Acartia tonsa was reduced by half after sediment incubations with oxygen and nitrate. Our study emphasizes the possibility to use marine sediment as a biofilter for treating produced water at sea without extending the oil and gas platform or implementing a large-scale construction.

Effect of soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from drilling waste on germination and growth of lawn grasses

In many studies, grasses were used to increase the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil because they are the most common plant species on the ground level and are quite resistant to contamination with these compounds. One of the main failures in PAH remediation in soil using plant species was the negative impact on germination and seedling growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate grass seed germination and seedling growth affected by drill cuttings to determine the resistance of selected grass species to the impact of PAH and their suitability for an effective phytoremediation of soils contaminated with waste that contain compounds from this group. In the study four grass species: tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), red fescue (Festuca rubra), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and common meadow-grass (Poa pratensis). The germination energy of all species decreased as the amount of drill cuttings increased. Among the species studied, the highest germination energy and capacity were found in Lolium perenne (54.1 and 73.2 respectively), and the lowest – in Poa pratensis (16.7 and 23.3 respectively). With an increasing amount of drill cuttings, the root and seedling height were decreased. Festuca arundinacea seedlings were distinctly the highest and had the longest roots (96.7 and 52.7, respectively), while Poa pratensis seedlings showed the significantly slowest seedling and root elongation rate (30.4 and 12.4, respectively). However, the strongest decrease in seedling height and root length compared to the control was observed in Festuca rubra. Based on IC50, the greatest tolerance to the addition of drilling waste to the substrate was found for Festuca arundinacea and Festuca rubra. The conducted investigation indicates that Festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne are grass species that are least sensitive to drilling waste in the substrate because no significant differences were found in root length and seedling height between the control soil and the soil where a PAH dose of 5% and 10% was applied.

Assessment of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Degradation by Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)

Petroleum exploitation has negative impacts on the environment, such as oil spills, likewise, health implications on humans. The ability of newly isolated six fungal endophytes for degrading total petroleum hydrocarbons was evaluated. Their ability for hydrocarbon biodegradation was assessed in vitro for 35 days, using the minimal salt medium incorporated with products of crude oil, like petrol, kerosene, diesel, spent engine oil, unspent engine oil as the carbon source. Each fungus was introduced into test tubes containing minimal salt medium and petroleum products, the tubes were then incubated on shaker incubator at 27ºC, 151rpm for 35days. At every 7days, turbidity was measured with photoelectric colorimeter at wavelength of 530nm. In this study, the petroleum hydrocarbon degrading fungi isolated from Water Hyacinth leaves were identified using morphological techniques. The six fungi isolated were identified as; Aspergillus niger, Penicillium canescens, Penicillium atrovenetum, Trichocladium opacum, Thermomyces lanuginosus and Penicillium spp. In this experiment, it was evident that all the fungi were able to utilize hydrocarbons for their growth, at different rates. Aspergillus niger demonstrated high capacity to biodegrade diesel and spent engine oil, Penicillium canescens was excellent to utilize petrol, while Penicillium atrovenetum had the potential to degrade unspent engine oil and kerosene. The results obtained suggest that these endophytic fungal isolates are potential hydrocarbon biodegraders that could be used in bioremediation processes.