Mesocosm assays of oil spill bioremediation with oleophilic fertilizers: Inipol, F1 or both?

The biodegradation of Iranian light crude in seawater environments was examined in three mesocosms, simulating a wild Mediterranean ecosystem. Two oleophilic fertilizers, Inipol EAP-22 and F1 (modified fish meal), were compared with regard to the biodegradation enhancement achieved by them. Hydrocarbon degradation proceeded faster at the water surface than at the sediment, as assessed by the n-C17/pristane and n-C18/phytane indicator ratios. Alkane biodegradation was higher in the presence of F1 (70% in 30 days). However, treatment with Inipol produced another desirable effect, the quick disappearance of the oil slick. The data led to the formulation of the hypothesis that the combined use of both fertilizers may be the treatment of choice.