Bacterial degradation of hydrocarbons with implication for asphalts. Part 2: Attack mechanisms

This paper provides a more detailed discussion of the preferred hydrocarbon types for bacterial attack based on molecular weight and degree of saturation. The differences between aerobic degradation processes compared to anaerobic nitrate and sulphate reducing mechanisms is explained. A discussion is also included on the effects of surface area and oil concentration on growth rate and rate of hydrocarbon utilization. A very interesting mechanism is outlined by which microorganisms can produce surfactants which result in microbial emulsification of oils. A brief review of previous investigations showing that some bacteria can utilise bitumens with similarities between the biodegradation of bitumens and that of petroleum. Microbial degradation was shown to be limited mostly to the surfaces of the bitumen sample with the saturates and naphthene aromatic fractions most affected, causing the bitumen surfaces to lose their original adhesiveness accompanied by a significant increase in viscosity. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD E133040.

• Authors:
  • ZOOROB, S E
  • Phillips, P
• Publication Date: 2007-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Serial:
  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE BITUMINOUS MIXTURES AND PAVEMENTS, HELD THESSALONIKI, GREECE, APRIL 2007 - VOLUME 1
  • Issue Number: p145-154

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bacteria; Bioremediation; Bituminous materials; Conferences; Deterioration; Hydrocarbons
• Uncontrolled Terms: Degradation
• ITRD Terms: 5229: Bacteria; 2420: Bioremediation; 4955: Bituminous materials; 8525: Conference; 5255: Deterioration; 7367: Hydrocarbon
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Materials; I15: Environment; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01076219
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 18 2007 10:14AM