Biodegradation of hydrocarbon wastes in Patagonia, Argentina.

N. OLIVERA; ESTEVEZ JL; COMMENDATORE, M; FERRERO M

Florianópolis

Congreso; LABS 3 Biodegradation & Biodeterioration in Latin America.; 1998

LABS

One of the most serious problems resulting from port activities is the inadequate managment of liquid waste from ships that moor in its harbors. Bilge waste, consisting of oil, grease, and water, may be the most damaging to the environment. In Puerto Madryn, this waste is collected with a garbage boat and is then stored in outdoor dumps where it begins a natural degradation. The aim of this study was to determine the biodegradation combinations. Culture with a medium based on seawater, nitrogen, phosphorous, and yeast extract showed the highest hydrocarbon degradation (aliphatics 75.1%; aromatics 70.5%). Degradation of normal alkanes (n-C13 to n-C29), as well as isoprenoids (pristane and phytane), was observed. We concluded that autochthonous bacteria become adapted to this waste and have a reat capacity to degrade hydrocarbons. Current research is being conducted to characterize these bacteria and to test their bioremediation effectiveness under field conditions.