MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF PETROLEUM IN CONTINENTAL SHELF SEDIMENTS

The report presents a preliminary evaluation of the microbial degradation of oil deposited for disposal purposes in sediments of the U.S. Continental Shelf region. The evaluation did not include consideration of factors such as toxic or cumulative biological effects of petroleum but rather was limited to determination of whether microbial decomposition of petroleum occurs. This question was first addressed by considering the pertinent characteristics of the environment and processes in the sediments, and the relevant aspects of the microbial decomposition of oil. Petroleum degradation was then verified by a laboratory experiment simulating conditions in sediments of the U.S. Continental Shelf.

• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

  72 Lyme Road
  Hanover, NH  United States  03755-1290
• Authors:
  • Hunt, P G
  • Koutz, F R
  • Murrmann, R P
  • Martin, T G
• Publication Date: 1973-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 22 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biodeterioration; Deterioration; Oceans; Oils; Waste disposal; Water quality management
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil degradation
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00054100
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CRREL-SR-196 Special Rp
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1974 12:00AM