Petroleum Biodegradation and Oil Spill Bioremediation

"This book introduces the reader to the science and technology of bioremediation - a key process for the removal of crude oil and crude oil based contaminants at spill sites. The contaminants of concern in the molecularly-variable crude oil and crude oil products can be degraded under appropriate conditions. But the success of the process depends on the ability to determine the necessary conditions and establish them in the contaminated environment. Although the prime focus of the book is to determine the mechanism, extent, and efficiency of biodegradation processes it is necessary to know the composition of the original crude oil or crude oil product. The laws of science dictate what can or cannot be done with crude oil and crude oil products to insure that biodegradation (hence, bioremediation) processes are effective. The science of the composition of crude oil and crude oil products is at the core of understanding the chemistry of biodegradation and bioremediation processes. Hence, inclusion of crude oil analyses and properties along with crude oil product analyses and properties is a necessary part of this text. Each chapter includes a copious reference section and the book is further improved by the inclusion of an extensive Glossary"--