A. Korda et al., PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON BIOREMEDIATION - SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES, IN-SITU TREATMENTS AND COMMERCIAL MICROORGANISMS CURRENTLY USED, Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 48(6), 1997, pp. 677-686
The sampling and analytical methods, along with available microorganis
ms, used for in situ hydrocarbon bioremediation are reviewed. Each tre
atment method is briefly described and its advantages and limitations
pertaining to potential applications are evaluated. Bioremediation pro
vides cost-effective, contaminant-and substrate-specific treatments eq
ually successful in reducing the concentrations of single compounds or
mixtures of biodegradable materials. In situ treatments rarely yield
undesirable byproducts, but precautions and preliminary baseline tests
are always recommended. Sampling methods should adhere to good labora
tory and field practices and usually do not require highly trained per
sonnel. Analytical methods vary in sensitivity, cost, duration of samp
le analysis and personnel training required. Voucher specimens of bact
erial strains used in bioremediation exist in various repositories (e.
g. ATCC, DSM, etc.) or are commercially available, and are usually cov
ered by patent rights. Each one of these strains may yield spectacular
results in vitro for specific target compounds. However, the overall
success of such strains in treating a wide range of contaminants in si
tu remains limited. The reintroduction of indigenous microorganisms is
olated from the contaminated site after culturing seems to be a highly
effective bioremediation method, especially when microorganism growth
is supplemented by oxygen and fertilizers.