Guidelines for the Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Salt Marshes

摘要

Salt marshes are among the most sensitive ecosystems and, therefore, the most difficult to clean. Applications of some traditional oil spill cleanup techniques in wetland habitats have caused more damage than the oil itself. The objective of this document is to present a detailed technical guideline for use by spill responders for the cleanup of coastal wetlands contaminated with oil and oil products by using one of the least intrusive approaches - bioremediation technology. This guidance document includes a thorough review and critique of the literature and theories pertinent to oil biodegradation and nutrient dynamics and provides examples of bioremediation options and case studies of oil bioremediation in coastal wetland environments. It also evaluates current practices and state-of-the-art research results pertaining to the bioremediation of hydrocarbon contamination, and presents a procedure for the design and evaluation of bioremediation processes applicable to the cleanup of oil contaminated coastal wetlands. Special attention is given to oil bioremediation of salt marshes since they are the most prevalent type of coastal wetland and have been the subject of the most extensive studies. The document consists of two major parts. Part I presents the background and overview of bioremediation options, which include the characteristics of coastal wetlands, oil spill threats and countermeasures in salt marshes, and relevant state-of-the-art research. Part II provides guidelines for design and planning of oil bioremediation in salt marshes, which includes site characterization and evaluation, the selection of appropriate bioremediation technologies, and the design of sampling and monitoring programs.