Biodegradation nomination

Link:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4507529/

Citation: Santisi, S., S. Cappello, M. Catalfamo, G. Mancini, M. Hassanshahian, L. Genovese, L. Giuliano, M. Yakimov. 2015. Biodegradation of crude oil by individual bacteria strains and a mixed bacterial consortium. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology 46: 377-387.

Abstract:

Three bacterial isolates identified as  Alcanivorax borkumensis  SK2,  Rhodococcus erythropolis  HS4 and  Pseudomonas stutzeri  SDM, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, were isolated from crude oil enrichments of natural seawater. Single strains and four bacterial consortia designed by mixing the single bacterial cultures respectively in the following ratios: (Alcanivorax: Pseudomonas, 1:1), (Alcanivorax:  Rhodococcus,  1:1), (Pseudomonas:  Rhodococcus, 1:1), and (Alcanivorax:  Pseudomonas:  Rhodococcus, 1:1:1), were analyzed in order to evaluate their oil degrading capability. All experiments were carried out in microcosms systems containing seawater (with and without addition of inorganic nutrients) and crude oil (unique carbon source). Measures of total and live bacterial abundance, Card-FISH and quali-, quantitative analysis of hydrocarbons (GC-FID) were carried out in order to elucidate the co-operative action of mixed microbial populations in the process of biodegradation of crude oil. All data obtained confirmed the fundamental role of bacteria belonging to  Alcanivorax  genus in the degradation of linear hydrocarbons in oil polluted environments.

Justification:

I find biodegradation of oil fascinating because before learning about it in general Microbiology I had no idea that microbes had the ability to break down such a harsh substance such as oil. I think it is relevant for us to learn about because we live in Alaska, where oil is being extracted and has the potential to have oil spills.

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