Biodegradation of oil in marine environments

Biodegradation is an important process which is initiated after discharges of oil to marine environments. Oil discharges include both oil spills and regular releases (e.g. produced water). Biodegradation is important both for the fate of the oil in the water column and sediments, and for the environmental impacts of the discharged oil. At SINTEF we have studied natural attenuation and stimulated biodegradation of hydrocarbons for several decades. A considerable part of the activities have been directed towards cold climate environments (Arctic), including field experiments at Spitzbergen. The objectives of the research have been to study natural processes in water and sediments, and development of methods for the stimulation of hydrocarbon biodegradation (bioremediation). The scientific competence at our department enable studies of biodegradation related to other processes, including oil weathering characteristics (evaporation, photo-oxidation, dispersion, emulsification, dissolution), horizontal and vertical  spreading and dispersion, interactions with particles (sedimented or suspended), and impacts on marine organisms in the water column and sediments.

Several experimental systems have been developed for these studies:

• Sediment columns with tidal cycles
• Simulated seabed systems
• Mesocosm beach basins with tidal cycles and waves
• Static and flow-through water column systems

Analysis of biodegradation processes include:

• Multi-component analysis (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry) for determination of biodegradation rates of oil components
• Use of radio-labelled hydrocarbons for determination of complete degradation, and for studies of metabolic intermediates
• Respirometric methods for measurements of total degradation of oil fractions
• Culture methods for enrichment of microorganisms associated with degradation of hydrocarbons
• Molecular biology methods for characterisation of microbial isolates and changes in communities during biodegradation processes. 

Project research co-operation includes several Norwegian and European institutions, including the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the University Centre at Svalbard (UNIS), Rogaland Research, AEA Technology, (UK), and CEDRE (France)

Contact person: Odd Gunnar Brakstad