Effects of Wave Action on the Bioremediation of Crude Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons

The effects of wave action on the biodegradation of Iranian light crude were investigated in two mesocosm experiments using two different fertilizers (F1, April–May 1997; and Inipol EAP-22, June–July 1997). Three levels of wave action (‘high-wave’, ‘low-wave’, ‘no-wave’) were applied in three mesocosms simulating a typical Mediterranean shore. Biodegradation of saturated hydrocarbons was monitored over a period of one month in surface water and submersed sediment samples (‘surface’ vs ‘shore’). In submersed sediments, maximum biodegradation for both fertilizers (43%-F1; 55%-Inipol) was observed under moderate wave action (‘low wave’ treatment), followed by the ‘high-wave’ treatment. Biodegradation was not significant under the ‘no-wave’ treatment. At the water surface, the highest biodegradation (51%) was observed in the F1-treated mesocosm in the absence of wave action, followed by the ‘low-wave’ treatment (21%). Inipol application did not enhance biodegradation at the water surface regardless of wave action level.