Bioremediation of the diesel-contaminated soil of the Brazilian antarctic station

Abstract

Antarctic soils are under constant risks of oil contamination due the presence of scienti c stations. Bioremediation is the best choice for their recovery. However, before taking the initiative, it is important to test their e ect on hydrocarbon depletion and microorganisms. Furthermore, it is important to search for hydrocarbon degraders and bioindicators for monitoring. Our studies showed that the low concentration of N may be causing the recalcitrance of the hydrocarbons in the soil. e microbial characterization revealed alteration of structure and low diversity of the microbial communities in the diesel-polluted soils. e results of an ex situ microcosm experiment revealed depletion of the hydrocarbons content due the aeration and the application of N fertilizer, as well as e ects under the microbial communities. An in situ microcosm experiment with the application of N fertilizer and oil-degrader bacterial species previously isolated con rmed the changes under the microbial community. However, it is important to point out that the impact of the fertilizer under microbial community is lower than the oil impact. e present data provides information that allows us to propose the appropriate methodology that can be applied in the area of the Brazilian Antarctic Station for the bioremediation process. In addition, to provide information that allows us to propose an appropriate action plan using better recommended materials (e.g. type and dose of fertilizer; stock of consortia of degraders strains) that will be available for immediate use in the case of new contaminations due to fuel spills in the new Brazilian Antarctic Station.