Management and Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-polluted Soils in Antarctica

MARTINEZ ALVAREZ, LUCAS; MASSOT, FRANCISO; RUBERTO, L.A.M.; MAC CORMACK WALTER P.

Journal of Antarctic Affairs

Editorial Agenda Antártica / ASOC

Lugar: Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Año: 2020 vol. VII p. 53 - 64

2451-7755

Until a few years ago, the Antarctic continent was considered a pristine place. However, human activitythere changed that condition, being hydrocarbon pollution a concerning and attention-drawing issue.Soils around scientific stations show different levels of pollution caused by oil-derived fuels, such asgasoil. Bioremediation is a tested, effective technique to remove contaminating hydrocarbon from thesoil. Biostimulated biopiles is the most effective, tested strategy for Antarctic soils that makes use of the microorganisms? catabolic potential; ecopiles, in turn, seem to be a better alternative that brings more complex biological systems into the process, such as vascular plants, in order to obtain higher removal levels. Finally, a reflection is made that appropriate, specific logistics are needed to reduce execution times of these innovative bioremediation treatments.