DISPOSAL OF SLOP OIL AND SLUDGES BY BIODEGRADATION

Absorbing various crude oils into an oleophilic peat matrix prior to b iodegradation apparently focuses enhanced bacterial action on the surf ace of the absorbent. This observation has been exploited to accelerat e and otherwise improve landfarming operations and has been the basis for a novel bioreactor suitable for use on-site by operating personnel at refineries and petrochemical complexes. This innovation provides a solution to the problem of disposing of high hydrocarbon content oily wastes such as sludges and slop oils generated on-site.