The Prestige oil spill. 2. Enhanced biodegradation of a heavy fuel oil under field conditions by the use of an oleophilic fertilizer

Environ Sci Technol. 2006 Apr 15;40(8):2578-85. doi: 10.1021/es052370z.

Abstract

A field bioremediation assay using the oleophilic fertilizer S200 was carried out 10 months after the Prestige heavy fuel-oil spill on a beach of the Cantabrian coast (North Spain). The field survey showed that S200 significantly enhanced the biodegradation rate, particularly of high molecular weight n-alkanes, alkylcyclohexanes, and benzenes, and alkylated PAHs, paralleling the results previously found in vitro. The most significant molecular bioremediation indicators were the depletion of diasteranes and C-27 sterane components. Enhanced isomeric selectivity was also observed within the C1-phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes. Through the analysis of some target aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons a number of chemical indicators for assessing the efficiency of field bioremediation as well as identifying the source of highly weathered samples collected in the area after the spill are defined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fertilizers*
  • Fuel Oils*
  • Hydrocarbons / analysis
  • Hydrocarbons / metabolism
  • Spain

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fertilizers
  • Fuel Oils
  • Hydrocarbons