Biodegradation and volatilization of crude oil in soil /
Bioremediation is widely used to treat petroleum hydrocarbon
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739668781&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Bioremediation is widely used to treat petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils. Research showing limitations to bioremediation and ways to enhance bioremediation is needed. Soils contaminated with oil were examined in laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies to compare rates of bioremediation between soils, the influence of salinity on bioremediation, the influence of bulking agents and aeration on bioremediation, and the influence of bulking agents on volatilization of oil from soil. A feasibility study of thirteen soils found all soils were amenable to biodegradation. The amount of applied oil that degraded varied from 2% (Falba) to 51 % (Branyon) after 92 days of incubation. Salinity (200 dS m-1) reduced the rate of bioremediation of oil contaminated soils by nearly 50% in a Weswood soil. In a field study bulking agents enhanced bioremediation compared to nonbulked controls. Of the bulking agents used, hay was the most effective at reducing total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Tilled treatments contained about half the TPH content compared to treatments receiving up field study bulking a crude oil contaminated soil with sawdust in combination with tillage resulted in a reduction of TPH from 11 to 4% in 22 weeks. An earthworm bioassay was conducted on remediated oil contaminated soils. Earthworm survival was greatest when chopped bermudagrass hay or sawdust was the bulking agent. Bulking agents were effective at reducing volatilization of crude oil from soil by approximately 10% in a laboratory study. In conclusion it appears that several inputs may be used to enhance oil biodegradation in soil. Tillage, bulking with hay, removal of excess salts, and selection of microbially active soils are all important factors. The use of bulking agents did not eliminate volatilization of crude oil from soils. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Soil Science". |
| Physical Description: | xvii, 131 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 111-117. |