PORE STRUCTURES OF OIL-CONTAMINATED, AGGREGATED OIL-CONTAMINATED AND UNCONTAMINATED SOILS IN RELATION TO MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

Soil pore structure is one of the most important characteristics which influence the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil. The objective o f this study was to quantify and compare the inter- and intra-aggregat e pore structures of oil-contaminated, aggregated oil-contaminated and uncontaminated soils and their effects on microbial biomass and activ ities. The inter-aggregate and intra-aggregate porosity of the untreat ed oil-contaminated soil was less than that of the uncontaminated soil indicating the oil-contaminated soil was more compacted, which reduce d the microbial activity. The microbial biomass and activity in the ag gregated oil-contaminated soil was greater than in the untreated oil-c ontaminated soil indicating the aggregation process improved the physi cal environment for microorganisms and enhanced the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil.