Successful bioremediation of fuel-polluted seashore sand: a case study

This study examined the bioremediation of fuel-contaminated coastal sand, addressing petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. Over 106 days, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) levels significantly dropped from 5,753 mg/kg to 37 mg/kg - a decrease of about 98.21%. This final concentration was well below the 100 mg/kg threshold set by the Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection, indicating a successful remediation process. The most significant TPH reduction occurred within the first 48 days, highlighting the importance of optimal conditions for microbial activity, like aeration, soon after contamination. These results demonstrate the potential of bioremediation to restore ecological integrity in areas affected by oil spills and suggest its broader implementation to mitigate petroleum pollution in marine ecosystems.