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Sorption–Biological Treatment of Coastal Substrates of the Barents Sea in Low Temperature Using the Rhodococcus erythropolis Strain HO-KS22

Summary

Scientists tested a method to clean oil-polluted beaches and sandy areas in the Arctic Barents Sea using a special bacteria strain combined with absorbing materials. The treatment worked well for sandy areas contaminated with lighter oils, speeding up natural cleanup by 3-4 times in the first month. The use of activated carbon or vermiculite prevented pollutants from washing back into the sea, protecting marine ecosystems.

Background

Arctic coastal areas are vulnerable to oil spills due to increased shipping and hydrocarbon exploration. The Barents Sea, located at high latitudes with challenging climatic conditions, requires effective bioremediation strategies adapted to low temperatures and specific substrate conditions.

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency of a sorption–biological method for treatment of oil-polluted coastal substrates (soil and sand) from the Barents Sea using Rhodococcus erythropolis strain HO-KS22 at low temperatures (10°C) with different sorbent materials.

Results

Sorption-biological treatment increased hydrocarbon degradation rate in sand by 3-4 times in the first month and enhanced overall efficiency by 20% over three months, particularly for light oil. Bioremediation was ineffective for soil with no significant difference from natural attenuation. Sorbents significantly reduced hydrocarbon desorption and secondary pollution, with activated carbon and vermiculite being most effective.

Conclusion

R. erythropolis HO-KS22 can effectively accelerate bioremediation of sandy coastal substrates polluted with light oil, but strain selection based on regional low pH and temperature conditions is necessary for soil remediation. Sorbent integration prevents secondary ecosystem pollution through reduced hydrocarbon leaching regardless of substrate type.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41011512, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13092181
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