Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity and biodegradation potential of oil hydrocarbons contaminated soil samples obtained from different depths at an oil refinery station area. An approach involving chemical, microbiological, respirometry and ecotoxicity assessment of soil polluted by oil hydrocarbons was adopted, in order to determine the biodegradability of pollutants and ecotoxicological effects of natural attenuation strategy. METHODS: The ecotoxicity of soil samples was evaluated using an ostracod test kit and a seed germination test. The results of the phytotoxicity assay were expressed as a percentage of seedling emergence and as the relative yield of fresh and dry biomass compared to control plants. The intrinsic biodegradation potential of the contaminated soil was examined using a Micro-Oxymax respirometer. Intrinsic biodegradation rates were estimated from the slopes of linear regressions curves plotted for cumulative O(2) uptake. The obtained values were then entered in the mass balance equation for the stoichiometric reaction of hydrocarbon decomposition and converted per kg of soil per day. RESULTS: Although the tested contaminants were biodegradable in the respirometric assay, they were slightly to moderately toxic to plants and extremely toxic to ostracods. The noxious effects raised with the increased concentration of contaminants. The monocotyledonous oat was more tolerant to higher concentrations of oil hydrocarbons than the other test plants, indicating its greater suitability for soil reclamation purposes. CONCLUSION: By assessing phytotoxicity and effect on ostracod mortality and progress of soil self-decontamination process, proper approach of reclamation of demoted area can be provided.