This Volume presents applications of hydrocarbon microbiology in the context of environmental pollutant degradation, covering pollutants such as petroleum and related wastes (i.e. oil sludge), biofuels, lipid-rich wastes, chlorinated solvents and BTEX, in several environments (marine, soil, groundwater). The approaches presented range from laboratory experiments and treatment in reactors to field applications. Two chapters highlight innovative approaches to address relevant questions in pollutant degradation, such as low environmental concentrations of pollutants, and the biodegradation of complex pollutant mixtures using biofilms. Rather than presenting the applications in the form of protocols, some of the chapters in this Volume include detailed practical information on the opportunities offered by and limitations of the different approaches, providing valuable information for researchers planning to perform bioremediation experiments.

Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology Protocols

There are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

Introduction

Bioremediation of hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents in groundwater: characterisation, design and performance assessment
Protocols for ecological risk assessment using the Triad approach
Field studies demonstrating the efficacy of bioremediation in marine environments
Biostimulation of marine crude oil spills using dispersants
Bioaugmentation.-Detection of anaerobic BTEX degradation in groundwater by molecular analysis
Protocols for harvesting microbial community directly as a biofilm for the remediation of oil sands process affected water
Methods to assess the fate and impacts of biofuels in aquifer systems
Protocol for biopile construction treating contaminated soils with petroleum hydrocarbons
Ex-situ bioremediation treatment (landfarming)
Anaerobic digestion of lipid-rich wastes
Oil droplet generation and incubation for biodegradation studies of dispersed oil
Protocol for inferring compound biodegradation at low concentrations from biomass measurement
Bioremediation of sludge obtained from oil/biofuel storage tanks.