Application of microbial community profiling and functional gene detection for assessment of natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons in boreal subsurface

作者：Nolvak Hiie; Sildvee Teele; Knipsalu Mait; Truu Jaak^*

来源：Boreal Environment Research, 2012, 17(2): 113-127.

Microbial community structure and functional gene diversity were assessed in subsurface soil and groundwater samples collected from a previously remediated site with residual oil contamination. Primers for functional gene detection and enumeration were designed and tested in order to better quantify pollutant degradation potential in the subsurface soil and groundwater. Results indicate that the study area contains variety of bacteria with capacity to degrade monoaromatic solvents (BTEX), alkanes, low molecular weight PAHs and phenols. Functional genes related to BTEX, phenol and alkane degradation were widely distributed and were found to be especially abundant in zones with higher residual contamination. Results suggest that the indigenous subsurface microbial community at the study site has versatile catabolic potential to degrade different oil compounds. This characteristic is an important prerequisite for the application of natural contaminant attenuation and the successful monitoring of this approach for site remediation.

• 出版日期2012-4-30