| Title | Hexadecane mineralization activity in ornithogenic soil from Seabee Hook, Cape Hallett, Antarctica |
| Author | Aislabie, J.; Ryburn, J.; Sarmah, A. |
| Author Affil | Aislabie, J., Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand |
| Source | Polar Biology, 31(4), p.421-428, . Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany. ISSN: 0722- 4060 |
| Publication Date | Mar. 2008 |
| Notes | In English. 30 refs. Ant. Acc. No: 85004. GeoRef Acc. No: 288064 |
| Index Terms | hydrocarbons; oil spills; pollution; soil pollution; salinity; soils; Antarctica-- Victoria Land; Antarctica; biodegradation; Cape Hallett; mineralization; natural attenuation; nitrogen; organic compounds; pH; pollutants; Seabee Hook; terrestrial environment; Victoria Land |
| Abstract | Ornithogenic soils that form in penguin rookeries contain high levels of organic carbon and nitrogen. On Seabee Hook, Cape Hallett, Antarctica, ornithogenic soil was contaminated with hydrocarbons following establishment of a scientific research station. In these soils hydrocarbon biodegradation could be supported by available soil nitrogen. Hexadecane mineralization activity was detected in vitro in ornithogenic soil when incubated at 5 or 15°C. At 5°C the extent of hexadecane mineralization was higher in hydrocarbon- contaminated soil than in uncontaminated soil. Alkane-degrading bacteria isolated from Seabee Hook soil were identified as Rhodococcus or Gordonia spp. or an unclassified Corynebacterineae. (mod. journ. abst.) |
| URL | http://hdl.handle.net/10.1007/s00300-007-0368-x |
| Publication Type | journal article |
| Record ID | 63000684 |