Biodegradation of crude oil in sandy sediment

The bioremediation of light Arabian oil in sandy sediment by the mixed culture designated ND, obtained from landfarming, associated to indigenous microorganisms resulted in 42.9% reduction of the heavy fraction of oil in 28 days when a phosphate and a nitrate source were provided. Tests performed only in the presence of native flora, have achieved 11.9% removal of these compounds. These results have demonstrated the importance of utilizing cultures adapted to pollutants to enhance efficiency and productivity of the bioremediation process.