Biostimulation strategies for fresh and chronically polluted marine environments with petroleum hydrocarbons

Stimulation of indigenous degraders with suitable nutrients can significantly enhance bioremediation rates of marine environments polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons. Biostimulation is emerging as the best strategy for combating oil spills following first response actions. This mini review is focused on the conditions under which biostimulation leads to increased effectiveness and strategies for successful biostimulation to fresh and chronically polluted sites are suggested. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry