Biodegradation of Light Fuel Oils in Water and Soil as Determined by the Manometric Respirometric Method

In this biological oxygen demand (BOD) study, the manometric respirometric BOD OxiTopA (R) method was used to monitor the biodegradation of two summer grade (SFO 1 and 2) and two winter grade light fuel oils (WFO 1 and 2) in OECD 301 F conditions, in groundwater, and in two different Finnish forest soils (mineral-poor and mineral-rich). The biodegradation measurements in the OECD 301 F conditions were carried out in two nutrient solutions for 28 days. In both solutions WFO 1 reached the highest biodegradation degree, 32% in the solution OECD 301 F, and 70% in a solution containing additional ammonium chloride. In groundwater conditions all the biodegradation degrees of fuel oils remained below 2% within the 28-day period. SFO 1 reached the highest 30 day biodegradability (4%) in mineral-poor soil, 18% in mineral-rich soil. In a 189-day measurement in a mineral-rich soil, the biodegradation degree for the SFO 1 was 94%. The manometric respirometric method proved to be a very suitable and practicable measurement method for the purpose of biodegradation studies of highly volatile light fuel oils, because in this method samples are treated to a lesser degree than in conventional methods, and dilutions are not needed. Results also indicated a considerable effect of conditions on the biodegradability in both water and soil environments. The results of these biodegradation studies could be used when planning in situ treatment methods based on natural biodegradation. In situ treatment methods are eco-efficient, and are especially suitable for sparsely populated sites.