Evaluation of Bioaugmentation for Remediation of Petroleum In a Wetland
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ABSTRACTThe primary goal of this research was to evaluate the performance of two commercial bioaugmentation products for their ability to enhance bioremediation of petroleum in a wetland. Additional treatments included inorganic nutrients, and an oiled control (intrinsic). The experiment used a controlled application of oil to reduce heterogeneity normally associated with spilled petroleum. The experimental design incorporated full replication and interspersion of treatments in a block design. The first-order biodegradation rate coefficients for the total target saturate and total target aromatic hydrocarbons showed no significant differences between treatments. Comparison of first-order biodegradation rate coefficients for individual hydrocarbon target analytes also showed no differences between the treatments. Although not statistically significant, one of the commercial bioaugmentation products did show consistently higher biodegradation rates for individual target analytes. Comparison of first-order biodegradation rate coefficients for the control treatment showed biodegradation rates comparable with those obtained in previous studies conducted at the site. This research study and the previous studies conducted at the site demonstrate bioremediation can be effective in removing petroleum from the environment. However, further research is necessary to optimize treatment strategies and to increase the understanding of the processes that contribute to bioremediation of petroleum in a wetland.
