In the present study the microbial biomass, heterotrophic activity and the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were evaluated in soil samples from a landfarming area that has been used for petrochemical waste treatment for the last fifteen years. Laboratory analysis and greenhouse assays were conducted in order to evaluate soil biological conditions and the effects of inoculation with AMF (Glomus clarum and Paraglomus occultum) on growth of six plant species with potential to establish in soil affected by oil pollutants. Values for soil microbial biomass and biochemical indicators (basal and induced soil respiration) were in the typical range found in non-contaminated soils, but the values for qCO2 were in the high range. In spite of the indication of microbial stress, the results suggest the presence of metabolically active microbial communities in the soil. However, the relatively low activities of b-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and urease, indicate interferences on biochemical processes that may affect the degradation of residues transformation by the soil community. Abundant occurrence of AMF in either spontaneous or introduced plants was also observed. Inoculation with AMF had significant effects on alfafa, brachiaria grass and sorghum, but no effects on elephant grass. The results of the present study indicate the existence of microbial populations tolerant to the toxic components of petrochemical wastes that were continuously applied to this soil.
bioremediation; enzymes; heterotrophic; mycorrhiza
