Microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in the environment
- Univ. of Maryland, College Park (USA)
The ecology of hydrocarbon degradation by microbial populations in the natural environment is reviewed, emphasizing the physical, chemical, and biological factors that contribute to the biodegradation of petroleum and individual hydrocarbons. Rates of biodegradation depend greatly on the composition, state, and concentration of the oil or hydrocarbons, with dispersion and emulsification enhancing rates in aquatic systems and absorption by soil particulates being the key feature of terrestrial ecosystems. Temperature and oxygen and nutrient concentrations are important variables in both types of environments. Salinity and pressure may also affect biodegradation rates in some aquatic environments, and moisture and pH may limit biodegradation in soils. Hydrocarbons are degraded primarily by bacteria and fungi. Adaptation by prior exposure of microbial communities to hydrocarbons increases hydrocarbon degradation rates. Adaptation is brought about by selective enrichment of hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms and amplification of the pool of hydrocarbon-catabolizing genes. The latter phenomenon can now be monitored through the use of DNA probes. Increases in plasmid frequency may also be associated with genetic adaptation. Seeding to accelerate rates of biodegradation has been shown to be effective in some cases, particularly when used under controlled conditions, such as in fermentors or chemostats.157 references.
- OSTI ID:
- 6358080
- Journal Information:
- Microbiological Reviews; (USA), Vol. 54:3; ISSN 0146-0749
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Microbial degradation in soil microcosms of fuel oil hydrocarbons from drilling cuttings
Interactions between subsurface microbial assemblages and mixed organic and inorganic contaminant systems
Related Subjects
HYDROCARBONS
BIODEGRADATION
PETROLEUM
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BACTERIA
BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
FUNGI
REVIEWS
SOILS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology