The Microbiology of Aquatic Oil Spills

Abstract

This chapter discusses the microbiology of aquatic oil spills. Immediately upon spilling, oil begins to undergo a series of physical and chemical changes. The processes causing these changes include spreading, emulsification, dissolution, evaporation, sedimentation, and adsorption. Collectively, the oil is weathered by these processes. The weathering of oil depends on the amount and type of oil spilled, and on environmental conditions. Petroleum hydrocarbons have only a very limited solubility in water. Therefore, most oil spillages initially form a surface slick. The surface slick can be moved by wind, wave, and current action. A surface oil slick immediately begins to spread, initially owing to gravitational forces, resulting in a thinner layer of oil covering a larger area. The viscosity of the spilled oil will, to some extent, influence the rate of spreading and, as viscosity is temperature dependent, water temperature will also influence the area covered by a surface slick. The chapter illustrates the effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on microorganisms, microbial emulsification and degradation of petroleum, and the microorganisms and oil pollution abatement.