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The Double-edged Sword – Benzene Degrading Bacteria in the Parkietenbos Landfill
Siwek, Hanna
Siwek, Hanna
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Location research
Date
2023
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University of Aruba/University College Utrecht
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Abstract
Aruba, a small island state in the Caribbean, faces unique struggles in dealing with its waste, responsibly and sustainably. There is no universal system of recycling waste, and the level of waste disposed on the landfill has significantly exceeded safe, initially established limits of capacity. The overflowing landfill often leads to air pollution through the burning of trash, and soil and groundwater contamination through leachate. This paper designs a study that proposes an examination of the pollution of soil by a toxic compound, benzene, through investigating the presence and the scale of growth of benzene-degrading bacteria in the soil in the vicinity of the landfill. The research proposes a comprehensive evaluation of the harmful impact that benzene has on the ecosystem and people as well as description of the role of benzene degraders in breaking down said pollution. This bioremediating process can be seen as a doubleedged sword which can identify the contamination in case of enhanced growth of benzene degraders, while simultaneously proposing a potential solution that the
microbiome of the soil can offer when managed properly.
The paper offers a thorough discussion of adequate sampling location, research methodology, as well as potential results and their implications. Ultimately, the research highlights the urgency of investigating the benzene pollution originating from the landfill in Aruba.
Citation
Siwek, H. (2023). The Double-edged Sword – Benzene Degrading Bacteria in the Parkietenbos Landfill. In Mijts, E. Ballantyne, J., Rodriguez, C. (2023). UAUCU Student Research Exchange – Collected Papers 2023. University of Aruba, 165-179.
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UAUCU Student Research Exchange – Collected Papers 2023