Optimization of Microbial Diesel Fuel Degradation and N2 Fixation in a Chronically Polluted Embayment

In this study a petroleum hydrocarbon bioremedial technique was designed for enclosed marine environments. An attempt was made to determine conditions optimal for both microbial N2 fixation and petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. Particulate organic carbon (Spartina alterniflora), inert particles (nylon screen and glass filter particles), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), trace metals, and inorganic nutrients were added individually and in combination to maximize the two microbial processes. The greatest increase in petroleum hydrocarbon degradation was obtained by the addition of Spartina particles and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus (SNP). Particulate organic carbon was integral in any treatment successful in stimulating petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. N2 fixation rates with diesel fuel present could not be measured using the acetylene reduction assay because of volatile emission of ethylene (or a gas that co-elutes with ethylene on an flame ionization detector{FID}) from the petroleum product.Master of Science in Public Healt