Biomedical Info

HAVANA -- Two Cuban research centers have started using bacteria to treat the oil wastewaters in several parts of the Caribbean island in order to reduce the presence of

 

hydrocarbons in soil and waters of the country, an expert said Friday.

The Center for Environmental Studies of Cienfuegos (CEAC), in collaboration with the Center for Bioactive Marine (CBM) in Havana, is carrying out the process in the provinces of Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio and Matanzas, said CEAC Director Alain Munoz.

Munoz said the two research centers expect the treatment procedures will also be soon introduced in the southern Isle of Youth and the southern province of Holguin.

The process, which is known as bioremediation, consists of applying bacterias over the damaged area to eliminate the chemical components of oil in a maximum of 180 days, he said, adding the treatment can be developed both in-land as in off-shore waters.

Munoz said the work carried out is adjusted to the physical, chemical and geo-morphological characteristics of the area and that before inoculating the bacteria in the damaged area, it is subjected to a process of growth called Bioil-fc prepared by the CBM.

The Cuban authorities are actively enhancing its national oil industry in a bid to achieve national autonomy in its energy needs while taking all measures to protect environment.