Chemical Dispersants: Oil Biodegradation Friend or Foe?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-15-2016
Keywords
Biodegradation, Dispersant, Oil spill, Enhanced dissolution
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.044
Abstract
Chemical dispersants were used in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, both at the sea surface and the wellhead. Their effect on oil biodegradation is unclear, as studies showed both inhibition and enhancement. This study addresses the effect of Corexit on oil biodegradation by alkane and/or aromatic degrading bacterial culture in artificial seawater at different dispersant to oil ratios (DORs). Our results show that dispersant addition did not enhance oil biodegradation. At DOR 1:20, biodegradation was inhibited, especially when only the alkane degrading culture was present. With a combination of cultures, this inhibition was overcome after 10days. This indicates that initial inhibition of oil biodegradation can be overcome when different bacteria are present in the environment. We conclude that the observed inhibition is related to the enhanced dissolution of aromatic compounds into the water, inhibiting the alkane degrading bacteria.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 108, issues 1–2, p. 113-119
Scholar Commons Citation
Rahsepar, Shokouh; Smit, Martijn P. J.; Murk, Albertinka J.; Rijnaarts, Huub H. M.; and Langenhoff, Alette A. M., "Chemical Dispersants: Oil Biodegradation Friend or Foe?" (2016). C-IMAGE Publications. 56.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cimage_pubs/56
Comments
Data used in this article are available for download.
Biodegradation of light crude oil using realistic sea water