Evaluation of bioremediation techniques in contaminated soil

This study aims to determine the most effective bioremediation strategies for soil in the northeast of Brazil, intentionally contaminated with oil, and to evaluate the contribution of filamentous fungi in biodegradation processes. To achieve the stated objectives, the biodegradation tests were divided into four stages. The preliminary test consisted of a monitored natural attenuation process of soil contaminated with 5% m/m petroleum. In the second stage, the contribution of nitrogen sources and their respective concentrations in micro-scale crude oil biodegradation tests was evaluated, in addition to the most favourable water retention capacity (WRC) for microbial growth. The third stage of the experimental procedure consisted of studying oil-degrading microorganisms on a larger scale (static bioreactors). Finally, in the last stage, the quality of the contaminated soil was assessed through acute toxicity tests with earthworms.