The Biodegradation of Oil in Seawater for Naval Pollution Control
Abstract
Natural oil seeps and accidental spills are common to the coast of Southern California. Field observations and laboratory tests support the view that marine microorganisms have the capacity to oxidize and thus degrade oil and derivatives of oil. The report describes the sampling of beach sand, sediment water, and tar deposits from 15 different sites of Southern California, where oil spills are chronic. The laboratory techniques of isolating and culturing hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms are also described, as are cell density studies, where Navy fuels are used are used as the sole source of energy for microbes in the collected samples. To date, 62 hydrocarbon-oxidizing species, 48 bacteria, 10 fungi, and 4 yeasts have been isolated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0740757
Entities
People
- T. B. O'neill
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center