Caracterization of a hydrocarbons biorremediation process in nitrogen deficit in a soil from Patagonia Argentina

Abstract

Caracterization of a hydrocarbons biorremediation process in nitrogen deficit in a soil from Patagonia Argentina.

Patagonia Argentina is subject to intense oil exploitation and the soils of this region are characterized by low nitrogen content. This would cause a negative effect in the natural attenuation processes occurring in soils polluted with hydrocarbons. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen deficiency on hydrocarbon bioremediation in contaminated soils in Patagonia, Argentina. We worked with three  different  microcosms  receiving  three  different  treatments.  In  one  of  them  the  natural  attenuation  of  the  system  was  monitored;  the second one was subjected to fertilization with N, P and K; and the last one was subjected to fertilization with P and K. The follow-up was carried  out  by  monitoring  mineralization  and  hydrocarbon  content,  carrying  out  bacterial  recounts  and  determining  nutrient  content. Hydrocarbon biodegradation is possible in the N-poor soils of Patagonia but the time taken is longer than in fertilized soils. Nitrogen supply could be provided by N-fixing microorganisms.