ABSTRACT
The ecological importance of hydrocarbon biodegradability is the persistence of crude oil components in the environment which are less biodegradable and more toxic. The biodegradability of petroleum is highly dependent on its molecular configuration and composition of its hydrocarbon components. Many studies of degradation of crude oil by microorganisms have dealt with a single microorganism degrading a single hydrocarbon. The effect of mixed populations on a single hydrocarbon and the effect of single microorganisms on multiple hydrocarbons are poorly understood. The rates of crude oil and model hydrocarbon biodegradation were stimulated by an increase in temperature, inorganic nutrient concentration, and oxygen availability. Sediment samples were taken at several sites near the spill and at a control site away from the spill. Cylinders in the microcosms were filled with sediment and ground water contaminated by crude oil, or with uncontaminated sediment and ground water mixed with one of the following model hydrocarbons: cyclohexane, hexadecane, 1-naphthol, phenanthrene, pyrene or crude oil.
