| Abstract: | Microbial investigations on heterotrophic bacteria (MPN counts, adenylates charge, growth rate and enzymatic activities) and hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms (MPN counts) were carried out during three years in the salt marshes of Ile Grande. The aim was to follow their recovery after oil pollution. Oil degradation is related to bacterial activity (depending on site, depth in the soil, redox level and hydrocarbon concentrations). The results for the three years show a significant enhancement of the microflora during the first year (corresponding to removal of n. alkanes) followed by a decrease in bacterial activity which persisted for over two years. The activity of the heterotrophic bacterial population is deeply disturbed compared with unoiled sites, and these shifts remain detectable three years after oiling. This study does not modify our previous estimation regarding the recovery of the salt marshes. |
