“…Several approaches at solving the problem of oil pollution have been described (Garret, 1969; Meijs et al ., 1969; Wang et al ., 1975; Olivieri et al ., 1976), but each has its limitations. Numerous investigators have studied the possibility of using microorganisms to increase the natural biodegradation of petroleum (Le‐Petit & Barthelemy, 1968; Byrom & Beastall, 1971; Atlas & Bartha, 1972; Mulkins‐Philips & Stewart, 1972; Soli & Bens, 1972; Schwarz et al ., 1974), but it is too slow to have any practical importance for oil clean‐up. Inoculation of oil‐polluted areas with oil‐decomposing microorganisms seems to be ineffective because of growth‐limiting nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in seawater (Le‐Petit & Barthelemy, 1968; Zobell, 1969).…”