Bioremediation as an oil spill response tool

In the long run, biodegradation is the principal removal mechanism for spil led oil that cannot be collected or burnt. Stimulating biodegradation is th us an important option for maximising the removal of oil from the environme nt, and minimising the environmental impact of a spill. While oil is still floating on the sea, dispersants maximise the surface area available for mi crobial attack, and stimulate biodegradation. If oil reaches a shoreline wh ere physical removal is difficult, beach cleaners can aid washing technolog ies, and minimise the residual oil remaining for biodegradation to remove. Since oils lack nitrogen and phosphorus, the careful application of fertili sers stimulates the biodegradation of residual beached oil in environments where nitrogen and phosphorus are limiting. Taken together, these approache s epitomise modem environmental technologies; working with natural processe s to minimise undesirable environmental impacts.