Application of a Doehlert experimental design to the optimization of microbial degradation of crude oil in sea water by continuous culture

An experimental design approach for optimizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon analysis in contaminated soil by pyrolyser-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Pyrolyser-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil without preliminary extraction. Experimental research methodology was used to obtain optimal performance of the system. After determination of the main factors (desorption time, Curie point temperature, carrier gas flow), modeling was done using a Box-Behnken matrix. Study of the response surface led to factor values that optimize the experimental response and achieve better chromatographic results.

Petroleum spill bioremediation in marine environments

Bioremediation is a promising technology for responding to marine oil spills. A majority of molecules in crude oils and refined products are biodegradable, and they will eventually leave the environment as they are consumed by microbes. Bioremediation aims to stimulate the rate of this process. Successful bioremediation efforts have so far focused on applying fertilizers to aerobic oiled shorelines to at least partially relieve the nitrogen limitation of biodegradation by indigenous microorganisms. Nevertheless, there seems to be room for improving the process by developing better fertilizers, developing surfactants to stimulate degradation, and perhaps using exogenous bacteria. There also is room to extend the application to oiled marshes and other anaerobic sediments, and perhaps to floating slicks. This review covers our present understanding of hydrocarbon degradation in the marine environment, and discusses field trials and field use of bioremediation as an important adjunct to other tools for responding to marine oil spills.