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Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments

Abstract

The bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments was reviewed via a literature survey and discussions with workers in relevant disciplines. The impacts of hydrocarbons on soil are discussed along with a range of methods available to assist in their decomposition by soil microorganisms. The range of petroleum-based materials considered includes conventional and synthetic crude oils, refined oils, sludges, asphalts and bitumens, drilling mud residues, creosote tars, and some pesticides. The degradability of hydrocarbons largely depends upon their aqueous solubility and their adsorption on soil surfaces and, therefore, is related to their molecular structures. The ease of decomposition decreases with increasing complexity of structure, in the order aliphatics > aromatics > heterocyclics and asphaltenes (most recalcitrant). Most soils contain an adequate population of microorganisms and hence bioaugmentation may only be needed in special circumstances. Decomposition is fastest in soils where the hydrocarbon loading rate, aeration, nutrition, moisture, and pH are all optimized. At spill sites there is little control over the application rate, although containment measures can assist in either limiting contamination or distributing it more evenly. The enhancement of bioremediation is discussed in light of all these factors. Other techniques such as enhanced aeration, hydrocarbon decomposition by anaerobic processes,  More>>
Publication Date:
Dec 01, 1992
Product Type:
Technical Report
Report Number:
EE-141; MICROLOG-93-08977
Reference Number:
CANM-94-0E8078; EDB-94-034257
Subject:
02 PETROLEUM; OIL SPILLS; BIODEGRADATION; LAND POLLUTION CONTROL; SOILS; BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS; LAND RECLAMATION; REVIEWS; CHEMICAL REACTIONS; CONTROL; DECOMPOSITION; DOCUMENT TYPES; POLLUTION CONTROL; 020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
OSTI ID:
5561810
Research Organizations:
Northwest Soil Research Ltd., Edmonton, AB (Canada)
Country of Origin:
Canada
Language:
English
Availability:
PC Conservation and Protection Canada, Environmental Protection Publications, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON, CAN K1A 0H3; MF CANMET/TID, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, 555 Booth St., Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1A 0G1 PC
Submitting Site:
CANM
Size:
Pages: (106 p)
Announcement Date:
May 13, 2001

Citation Formats

Rowell, M J, Ashworth, J, and Qureshi, A A. Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments. Canada: N. p., 1992. Web.
Rowell, M J, Ashworth, J, & Qureshi, A A. Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments. Canada.
Rowell, M J, Ashworth, J, and Qureshi, A A. 1992. "Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments." Canada.
@misc{etde_5561810,
title = {Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments}
author = {Rowell, M J, Ashworth, J, and Qureshi, A A}
abstractNote = {The bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil environments was reviewed via a literature survey and discussions with workers in relevant disciplines. The impacts of hydrocarbons on soil are discussed along with a range of methods available to assist in their decomposition by soil microorganisms. The range of petroleum-based materials considered includes conventional and synthetic crude oils, refined oils, sludges, asphalts and bitumens, drilling mud residues, creosote tars, and some pesticides. The degradability of hydrocarbons largely depends upon their aqueous solubility and their adsorption on soil surfaces and, therefore, is related to their molecular structures. The ease of decomposition decreases with increasing complexity of structure, in the order aliphatics > aromatics > heterocyclics and asphaltenes (most recalcitrant). Most soils contain an adequate population of microorganisms and hence bioaugmentation may only be needed in special circumstances. Decomposition is fastest in soils where the hydrocarbon loading rate, aeration, nutrition, moisture, and pH are all optimized. At spill sites there is little control over the application rate, although containment measures can assist in either limiting contamination or distributing it more evenly. The enhancement of bioremediation is discussed in light of all these factors. Other techniques such as enhanced aeration, hydrocarbon decomposition by anaerobic processes, surfactants, and burning are also discussed. 211 refs., 11 figs., 10 tabs.}
place = {Canada}
year = {1992}
month = {Dec}
}