CUNNINGHAM, S. L.*; MARIS, R. C.: Bioremediation of Kerosene-Contaminated Soil Using Mini-Biocells

A jet fuel (kerosene) spill at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport has prompted the necessity for both economically and ecologically sound clean-up operations. Previous studies at Mansfield University have shown the effectiveness of utilizing naturally occurring bacteria for the degradation of harmful petroleum hydrocarbon toxins in gasoline and diesel contaminated soil. The majority of gasoline breakdown occurs during the first two weeks, however due to its complexity, diesel takes more than eight weeks. Bacterial colony counts attest to the rapid remediation of kerosene, largely during the first week. Following volatilization, gasoline residue appears to be slightly more difficult to degrade than the more stable kerosene. Bioremediation continues to be a viable alternative to conventional methods of soil treatment.