Optimization of slow-release fertilizer dosage for bioremediation of oil-contaminated beach sediment in a tropical environment

The optimization of fertilizer concentrations for stimulating bioremediation in contaminated marine substrates is desirable for minimizing both cost and environmental risks associated with eutrophication. In this study, the effect of various dosages of the slow-release fertilizer, Osmocote(TM), in stimulating an indigenous microbial biomass in oil-contaminated beach sediments was investigated. The Osmocote(TM) used comprises water-soluble N-P-K at concentrations of 18, 4.8, and 8.3% w/w respectively, and dosages tested were in the range of 0-4.0% dry weight equivalent of sediment. The beach sediments were taken from a tropical foreshore environment and spiked with an Arabian light crude oil (ALCO) to achieve a petroleum hydrocarbon content of 4.4% w/w. The experiment was conducted in open microcosms irrigated with seawater over a 42-day period. It was found that all Osmocote(TM)-dosed sediments had a sustained nutrient release for at least 42 days. An addition of 0.8% Osmocote(TM) to the sediments was sufficient to maximize metabolic activity of the biomass, and the biodegradation of straight-chain alkanes (C-10-C-33). An Osmocote(TM) dosage of 1.5% resulted in optimal biodegradation of more recalcitrant branched-chain alkanes (i.e. pristane, and phytane).