Results of 12 Years of Research in Spilled Oil Bioremediation: INIPOL Eap 22

Abstract

ABSTRACT Oil biodegradation is a natural but slow process, limited mainly by the scarcity of nitrogen and phosphorus. To enhance hydrocarbon breakdown by indigenous microbial communities, a fertilizer formulation that would keep nutrients in contact with oil was sought. A research project established for this purpose 12 years ago has resulted in the development of an oleophilic fertilizer known as Inipol EAP22. The product is an oil-soluble fertilizer formulated as an oleophilic microemulsion. It contains not only nitrogen and phosphorus, but also an easily biodegradable carbon source. Numerous experiments, in both laboratory and field, have shown that, even in cold climates, application of this fertilizer increases the number of hydrocarbon-degrading organisms and the extent and rate of biodegradation. Kinetic studies show that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the fertilizer is sufficient to allow the indigenous bacteria to consume all of the carbon source contained in Inipol EAP22. Once this carbon is consumed and the number of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria has increased, oil biodegradation can begin. In addition, adding fertilizer has a marked effect on the oil's consistency and increases its bioavailability. The recent large bioremediation project in Alaska has shown that it is possible to enhance the biodegradation of oil on shorelines through the application of such a fertilizer. Enhanced oil biodegradation can be considered today as a new tool in oil spill cleanup, to be used in conjunction with other treatments.