Application and Major Challenges of Microbial Bioremediation of Oil Spill in Various Environments

Abstract

Oil spill contamination occurs due to exploration activities in the deep sea and downstream activities such as oil transportation via pipelines, oil-tankers (marine and terrestrial), re-fineries, finished product storage, distribution, and retail distribution setup. Physico-chemical technologies are accessible for oil spill clean-up, but oil bioremediation technologies are proven to be more affordable and environmentally friendly. The aim of this book chapter is to give deeper knowledge about the bioremediation technology of oil spills. This chapter discusses the nature and composition of crude oil, bioremediation agents and strategies, bioremediation on different matrices (water, soil sludge), application strategy, and future prospect of bioremediation technology.

Keywords: Bioremediation of oil spill, Biostimulation, Bioaugmentation, ex-situ, in-situ, Biosurfactant, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH).

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