Bioremediation as an oil spill response tool

In the long run, biodegradation is the principal removal mechanism for spilled oil that cannot be collected or burnt. Stimulating biodegradation is thus an important option for maximising the removal of oil from the environment, and minimising the environmental impact of a spill. While oil is still floating on the sea, dispersants maximise the surface area available for microbial attack, and stimulate biodegradation. If oil reaches a shoreline where physical removal is difficult, beach cleaners can aid washing technologies, and minimise the residual oil remaining for biodegradation to remove. Since oils lack nitrogen and phosphorus, the careful application of fertilisers stimulates the biodegradation of residual beached oil in environments where nitrogen and phosphorus are limiting. Taken together, these approaches epitomise modem environmental technologies; working with natural processes to minimise undesirable environmental impacts.