Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema feltiae as an Indicator of Soil Pollution with Oil Derivatives in Bioremediation Process

Abstract

Petroleum-derived substances (PDSs) pollutants negatively affect agricultural soil biocenosis, disturbing the biological properties of soils. This paper aimed to test the effect of oil derivatives during soil bioremediation processes on Steinernema feltiae nematode and determine their potential use as an indicator of the degree of soil pollution. Two test series were applied (with bioremediation and without bioremediation) in which the soil was contaminated with diesel fuel, petrol and engine oil. A preparation was designed for the bioremediation of soils polluted with oil derivatives and used in the experiments. Soil pollution with oil derivatives has a negative effect on S. feltiae nematode ability to penetrate Tenebrio mollitor larvae. The most negative and long-lasting effect of soil pollution with oil derivatives was registered when engine oil and diesel fuel were used. The application of biopreparation accelerated the bioremediation process and diminished a negative effect of soil pollution with engine oil on virulence of S. feltiae nematode. The mortality of test insects caused by the nematode S. feltiae was a sufficient indicator of the progress of bioremediation of petroleum pollutants, such as diesel oil and engine oil.