Biodegradation of kerosene in soil by a mixed bacterial culture under different nutrient conditions

The present investigation dealt with the biodegradation of kerosene in soil using a mixed bacterial culture Under two different treatment setups, treatment 1 (TI) having low nutrient concentration as compared to treatment 2 (T2). Each treatment contained 4% (w/w) kerosene in soil as a sole carbon source. After 6 weeks of incubation, T1 and T2 exhibited 27 +/- 3% and 65 +/- 7% kerosene degradation, respectively. The highest bacterial growth was observed in T2 with a significant reduction in nutrient content of soil over 2-3 weeks of incubation. Overall, 46 +/- 12% and 54 +/- 24% of nitrogen, 36 +/- 3% and 43 +/- 3% of phosphorus and 24 +/- 2% and 35 +/- 2% of potassium content of the soil were depleted under T1 and T2, respectively. The present work has defined nutrient requirements for kerosene oil degradation and has opened avenues for its remediation from contaminated soil. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.