Grasses and Rhodococcus erythropolis Bacteria for Bioremediation of Naturally Polluted Soils with Hydrocarbons.

A combination of grasses, Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda grass, with Rhodococcus erythropolis bacteria was hypothesized for bioremediation of naturally polluted soils with hydrocarbons. A 90-day greenhouse experiment as a factorial design with twelve treatments including soil inoculation with bacteria as well as soil sterilization using both plants in three replicates was performed. Both grasses significantly decreased the concentration of soil hydrocarbons compared with the control polluted soil, with Kentucky grass being the more effective one. The bacteria enhanced the bioremediation abilities of both plants, especially of Kentucky grass. Soil sterilization substantially reduced the rate of hydrocarbons in the soil. The positive effects of bacteria on the process of bioaugmentation make this method of bioremediation strongly recommendable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]