Research into bioremediation of oil spills in tropical Australia

This is the executive summary of a report that was produced by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and AEA Technology, United Kingdom in 1999.
21 July 1999

Research into the bioremediation of oil spills in tropical Australia with particular emphasis on oiled mangrove and salt marsh habitats.

A three-year project ran from 1995-1998 that assessed:

  • short term effects of commonly transported oils
  • in situ bioremediation 

The study was focussed on tropical Australian mangrove and salt marsh habitats. Field work on the project was conducted at Port Curtis near Gladstone in Queensland.

Findings

Findings from these studies form the basis for improved guidelines and recommendations for the cleanup and restoration of oiled mangrove habitat around Australia, and elsewhere. 

The project was conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and AEA Technology (UK) with assistance from AMSA, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Energy Research and Development Corporation and Shell Research Ltd (UK).

Further reading

Read the report on Oil spills in mangroves at the Office of Response and Restoration in the US.

Author

Australian Institute of Marine Science and AEA Technology, United Kingdom
Last updated: 4 December 2020