CHEMICAL ENHANCEMENT OF THE BIODEGRADATION OF CRUDE-OIL POLLUTANTS

Tests were made to determine the effects of chemical dispersants on the microbial decomposition of crude oil in aquatic environments. The Warburg technique for following oxygen uptake was used. Both fresh and sea water condition's were studied and compared to a sample of oil and water with no chemicals added. An oil-water ratio of 1:200 was used, as was a one percent solution of chemical in oil as an emulsion. Six surfactants were used in the tests, and the emulsion was used both alone and in conjunction with an injection of a microbial culture. The results showed that the rate of biological destruction of hydrocarbon can be increased using a suitable chemical agent, and that this rate can be further increased by seeding the emulsion with microorganisms capable of utilizing hydrocarbons as food source. These results can be applied both to cases of oil pollution and for industrial waste water treatment.

• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Petroleum Engineers

  6200 North Central Expressway
  Dallas, TX  United States  75206
• Authors:
  • Robichaux, T J
• Publication Date: 1972-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 16-20
• Serial:
  • Journal of Petroleum Technology
  • Volume: 24
  • Publisher: Society of Petroleum Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biodeterioration; Dispersers; Oil spills; Surface active agents
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00032652
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1973 12:00AM