Abstract:

Experiments were performed in high-pressure reactors at up to 162 bar as well as in ambient-pressure reference reactors to determine the biodegradation of mineral oil components (n-hexadecane, n-decane, n-tetracosane, toluene and naphthalene) by four hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains (Rhodococcus qingshengii TUHH-12, Rhodococcus wratislaviensis Tol3, Dietzia aurantiaca C7.oil.2 and Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1). Moreover, the growth on and degradation of crude oil by bacterial communities from sediments were investigated at ambient and high pressure. The substrate degradation, bacterial growth, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were analyzed. Furthermore, influence of Corexit EC9500A on bacterial growth and hydrocarbon degradation at high pressure and ambient was investigated.

Suggested Citation:

Bubenheim, Paul and Schedler, Martina. 2017. Microbial degradation of crude oil at high pressure. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7930R5K

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of high pressure and Corexit on the biodegradation of crude oil components and crude oil.

Data Parameters and Units:

Cell density in CFU/mL (Colony Forming Units per milliliter), substrate concentration in mM (millimolar), pressure in bar, incubation time in h (hours), oxygen partial pressure in %, carbon dioxide partial pressure in %, MMII = minimal mineral medium, oxygen concentration in mM, carbon dioxide concentration in mM, temperature (degrees C or room temperature)

Methods:

The growth curves were made by plate counting on solid medium. The substrate degradation was measured by GC-MS (gas chromatograph mass-spectroscopy), oxygen and carbon dioxide were measured with sensors.

Instruments:

High pressure reactors, ambient pressure control reactors, oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors and GC-MS were used.

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