Degradation and mineralization of petroleum by two bacteria isolated from coastal waters

Abstract

SummaryWithin the framework of a study on the oil biodegradation potential of the sea the ability of a Flavobaeterium s p . and Brevzbacterzum s p . to metabolize a paraffinic crude oil and a chemically defined hydrocarbon mixture was investigated. 3lajor components of the crude oil were identified by combination gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The rate and extent of total hydrocarbon biodegradation was measured. I n addition, CO, evolution from the crude oil was continuously monitored in a shaker-mounted gas train arrangement. Degradation started after a 2 to 4 day lag period, and reached its maximum within two weeks. At this time up to 60y0 of the crude oil and 75% of the model hydrocarbon mixture, each added a t the level of 1 ml per 100 ml artificial sea water, were degraded. Mineralization (conversion to CO,) was slightly lower due to formation of products and bacterial cell material. %-Paraffins were preferentially degraded as compared to branched chain hydrocarbons. Biodegradation of %-paraffins in the range of C12 to Czo was simultaneous: no diausie effects were observed.

Stimulated biodegradation of oil slicks using oleophilic fertilizers

“…One hundr.d ml aliquots of a fresh sea water sample, collected in December off the east coast of Sandy Hook, N. J. and containing its indigenous microbial I S population, were introduced into the flasks of a gas train arrangement described previously (Atlas and Bartha, 1972b). Each flask received 1 ml Sweden crude oil plus various nitrogen and phosphorus supplements.…”

“…Each flask received 1 ml Sweden crude oil plus various nitrogen and phosphorus supplements. Sweden crude oil is a paraffinic petroleum and is described in greater detail in a previous publication (Atlas and Bartha 1972b). The additives were initially selected on the basis of their described physical and chemical properties (Stecher, 1968;Weast, 1967-68).…”

“…After 4 weeks of incubation at 28%C all flasks were extracted with diethyl ether and the residual oil was measured by gas chromatography (Atlas and Bartha, 1972b). One ml of Sweden crude oil was added to each cylinder.…”

“…The oil was then extracted using two 100 ml portions of diethyl ether. The extracts were com-21 bined, dried with anhydrous Na 2 SO 4 and the residual oil was determined by gas chromatography (Atlas and Bartha, 1972b). Algal growth was measured as chlorophyll according tc the method of Warburg (Vishniac, 1957).…”

Characterization of microbial isolates from an estuarine ecosystem: relationship of hydrocarbon utilization to ambient hydrocarbon concentrations

“…The ability of microorganisms to degrade natural and petroleum hydrocarbons has been widely documented (2,9,11,13). Some information is available on the relationship between the presence of hydrocarbons in the environment and the existence in that environnient of a microbial community adapted to the degradation of those hydrocarbons.…”