Potential for bioremediation of fuel‐contaminated soil in Antarctica

A preliminary investigation was conducted to identify the presence of bacteria in fuel‐contaminated Antarctic soil that could potentially be used to bioremediate the contaminated soil at McMurdo Station and other sites in Antarctica. The ability of soil microorganisms to metabolize fuels under the extreme climatic and oligotrophic conditions of Antarctica was of concern. Bacteria were isolated from fuel‐contaminated soil on site at McMurdo Station. Bacteria from noncontaminated soil near the station were also studied for comparison. The Antarctic soil microorganisms exhibited the ability to endure cold and oligotrophic environments. Experiments also showed that bacteria from the fuel spill site were active in their contaminated environment and that acclimation to xenobiotic compounds was necessary. Application of bioremediation in the extreme environmental conditions found at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, were also considered. The possibility of altering environmental factors necessary to adequately support in situ bioremediation in this extreme climate is discussed.