MODE OF ACTION OF AN OLEOPHILIC NUTRIENT IN ENHANCING C-14 HEXADECANEMINERALIZATION BY A MARINE BACTERIAL COMMUNITY

Hexadecane mineralization by a bacterial consortium isolated from a no n heavily contaminated coastal seawater was largely increased by an en richment with Inipol EAP 22 (10% w/w). In the conditions of the experi ment, the efficiency of this oleophilic nutrient is linked to the orga nic N and P sources (urea and lauryl-phosphate) and, to a lesser exten t, to the presence of a readily available carbon source (oleic acid). Otherwise, the micro emulsion nature of the formulation and its physic al properties seem to play a major role in accelerating hexadecane min eralization.