Effect of Organic Nutrient Addition to the Biodegradation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Marine Sediment in Malaysia

Abstract

The effect of organic nutrient on the biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminated marine sediment in Malaysia was investigated. Biodegradation was assessed in microcosm experiments containing 10% (w/w) of crude oil amended with fertilizers in three ways, which were with inorganic nutrients (NP), organic matter in the form of plant-based (Elaeis guineensis) and fish-amendments (Scomber australasicus). It was observed that hydrocarbon degradation occurred in all treatments, with the highest biodegradation rates inS. australasicussupplemented sediment. The addition of S. australasicus managed to reduce the oil concentration to 48% while the addition ofE. guineensisand inorganic NP reduced the final oil concentration to 66% and 63% respectively. All three amendments show faster degradation rate compared to the control. Isolation of the soil sample on specific nutrient agar, centrimide, revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are well known for its ability to degrade hydrocarbon in crude oil.