Page 113: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 1996)

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Washington Sea Grant

Researchers Develop

Bioremediation fools

Bioremediation is a biological process that uses microorganisms to decontaminate polluted areas.

For example, some species of bac- teria can digest oil. Researchers are trying to learn how to control and accelerate this oil-eating process to allow better cleanup of contaminated marine habitats. A team of Washington Sea Grant

Program (WSGP) researchers is in the process of developing this tech- nology. The team's ultimate goal is to identify a sensor that can reside unattended in a cleanup site for days or months, continuously mea- suring the presence of specific chemical compounds.

The prototype sensors reportedly incorporate advanced light tech- nologies. One prototype uses fiber optics to sense the faint glow given off by some chemical reactions.

The WSGP team is developing a probe that measures surface plas- ma resonance, or shifts in light reflection caused at specific light wave frequencies or angles. Both sensors use biorecognition chem- istry — involving special protein coatings that recognize or bond with specific molecules. Scientists are currently engineering sensor configurations to recognize specific pollutants such as the compounds found in fuel oil. Coatings that can be flushed clear for re-use, allow- ing sensors to recharge for multi- ple measurements, have also been developed. These technologies have obvious applications in the field of oil spill response.

SSPA Investigates Baltic

Sea Spill Risks

Contracted last year by the

Helsinki Commission (HELCOM),

SSPA Maritime Consulting AB investigated the risks of transport- ing oil and oil products in the

Baltic Sea. The results are report- edly being used by the regional forum to provide up-to-date infor- mation for decision makers in charge of policy for the water basin. A reported 80 million people live and rely on the Baltic Sea's catchment area. In the last decade, SSPA has also reportedly performed projects focused on pro- tection of marine and coastal envi- ronments, including an investiga- tion for the Swedish National

Environment Protection Agency promoting environmentally accept- able vessels with reduced harbor fees. Other projects have focused on technical development of oil skimmers and booms. The

Swedish Coast Guard (SCG) also trains rescue leaders with a spill simulator developed by SSPA.

SSPA & Associates also performed an Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) of the giant

Baltic Sea gas pipeline.

The company is prepared to become involved in initiating pre- ventive measures such as traffic separation zones, pilot training and legislation to protect the Baltic

Sea.

For more information on SSPA Maritime

Circle 54 on Reader Service Card

November, 1996 115 Circle 325 on Reader Service Card

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