Biostimulation-based bioremediation of diesel fuel: field demonstration

Ex-situ bioremediation of leached cynamonic forest soilat initial diesel oil contamination of 6000 mg kg^-1, 4000 mg kg^-1 and 2000 mg kg^-1 was investigated afterbiostimulation with inorganic fertilizers. It was foundthat the added nutrients had no effect on the decontamination of polluted soils. A precise and reliable approach for evaluation of the biodegradation process is proposed. It comprisesapplication of sensitive and easily accessible diagnostic parameters and relations, calculated on the basis of n-alkanes andisoprenoids – pristane (2.6.10.14-tetramethylpentadecane,i-C₁₉H₄₀) andphytane (2.6.10.14-tetramethylhexadecane,i-C₂₀H₄₂) distribution.