Hydrocarbon remediation by Patagonian microbial consortia

Abstract

Among the technologies for recovering hydrocarbon-polluted sites, bioremediation is particularly interesting for wastewater and residue treatment. In this chapter, we first introduce hydrocarbon bioremediation focusing on the hydrocarbon biodegradation capabilities of microorganisms of the marine environment. Then, the context of petroleum hydrocarbons in the Argentinean Patagonia coast is depicted, and recent advances in bioprospection of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms from polluted sediments are reviewed. Finally, we discuss bilge waste bioremediation by Patagonian autochthonous microbial consortium as a treatment alternative. In particular focusing on the extent of hydrocarbon biodegradation, bioremediation trials at different experimental scales and bilge waste microbial community members are reviewed.