Capacity of Straw for Repeated Binding of Crude Oil from Salt Water and Its Effect on Biodegradation

Abstract

Using mass balance studies, we show that wheat straw readily bound several times its own weight in crude oil floating on salt water, the straw was reusable following repeated extractions of the oil with diesel, and its presence significantly increased the rate of biodegradation of the oil without the use of dispersants. Previous studies in this area have indicated a preference for synthetic polymeric materials because of their ability to bind greater amounts of oil and their reusability, as compared to organic materials including straw. However, it is clear that plastic leads to ecological problems in marine environments and does not typically provide bioavailable nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus to aid the natural oil biodegradation process. Our results suggest the advisability of using biomass such as straw for crude oil remediation.