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

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Abstract
Within the framework of a study on the oil biodegradation potential of the sea the ability of a Flavobacterium sp. and Brevibacterium sp. to metabolize a paraffinic crude oil and a chemically defined hydrocarbon mixture was investigated. Major components of the crude oil were identified by combination gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The rate and extent of total hydrocarbon biodegradation was measured. In addition, CO2 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 60% of the crude oil and 75% of the model hydrocarbon mixture, each added at the level of 1 ml per 100 ml artificial sea water, were degraded. Mineralization(conversion to CO2) was slightly lower due to formation of products and bacterial cell material. n‐Paraffins were preferentially degraded as compared to branched chain hydrocarbons. Biodegradation of n‐paraffins in the range of C12 to C20 was simultaneous; no diauxie effects were observed.

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