Bioremediation as a technology: Experiences with the Exxon Valdez oil spill
The results from the oil spill bioremediation project have demonstrated convincingly that fertilizers can be applied to oiled beaches to overcome nutrient limitations, thereby enhancing biodegradation of the oil. In Prince William Sound, the natural biodegradation rate of oil on the beaches was found to be quite high, primarily because of small concentrations of ammonia and phosphate in seawater that are introduced into the beach material with each tide. However, the addition of fertilizers was capable of increasing this biodegradation as much as two to three fold above background activity. In addition, the extent of enhanced degradation was such that beaches became visually cleaner and aesthetically improved.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, FL (United States). Environmental Research Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 6914459
- Report Number(s):
- PB-93-121226/XAB; EPA--600/J-92/390
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020900* -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
540320 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ALASKA
ARCTIC OCEAN
BAYS
BEAUFORT SEA
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COASTAL WATERS
CONTROL
DECOMPOSITION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FERTILIZERS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
LAND POLLUTION CONTROL
MASS TRANSFER
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
NUTRIENTS
OIL SPILLS
PETROLEUM
POLLUTION CONTROL
PRUDHOE BAY
REMEDIAL ACTION
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL