Oil-Mineral Fine Interactions Facilitate Oil Biodegradation in Seawater

• Published in: Environmental technology 1999-08, Vol.20 (8), p.811-824
• Main Authors: Weise, A. M., Nalewajko, C., Lee, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; bacteria; biodegradation; Biodegradation of pollutants; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Clay-oil flocculation; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Marine; micro-aggregates; Natural water pollution; oil spills; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Seawaters, estuaries; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0959-3330; 1479-487X
• DOI: 10.1080/09593332008616877

An interaction with fine mineral particles accelerates the removal and dispersion of stranded oil from spill impacted coastal regions. Shaker flask experiments under simulated environmental conditions were conducted to measure the significance of this intrinsic oil spill remediation process for the coastal marine environment. Results show that numerous crude and refined oil products produce stable micro-aggregates. Experiments conducted with a weathered crude oil over a 56 day period (10 °C) indicated that oil-mineral fine interactions stimulated bacterial growth and the rate and extent of hydrocarbon degradation. At the end of the experimental period, only 25% compared to 48% of the n-alkane fraction (n-C 15 to n-C 35 ) remained in flasks treated with and without mineral fines, respectively. Similarly, the percent total target aromatics remaining was substantially lower in mineral fine amended samples (8%) than in oiled controls (25%). These results support the application of shoreline clean-up techniques based on the acceleration of oil-mineral fine interactions.