RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Microbes in mud flats clean up oil spill chemicals

March 30, 2009

Micro-organisms occurring naturally in coastal mudflats have an essential role to play in cleaning up pollution by breaking down petrochemical residues. Research by Dr Efe Aganbi and colleagues from the University of Essex, presented at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Harrogate today (Monday 30 April), reveals essential differences in the speed of degradation of the chemicals depending on whether or not oxygen is present. In aerobic conditions (where oxygen is present), benzene, toluene and naphthalene, which all occur in petroleum, were rapidly degraded by microbes. In the absence of oxygen degradation was slower and only toluene was significantly broken down.

This means that in a healthy marine ecosystem where the water is oxygenated, petrochemical contamination can biodegraded by micro-organisms, but if the oxygen supply is depleted by pollution and other processes leading to the breakdown of organic matter in the soil, the contamination will persist. While almost all known aromatic hydrocarbons (the petroleum breakdown products) are degraded with oxygen only a few can be completely broken down in the absence of oxygen. However, in a contaminated environment oxygen is quickly depleted and anaerobic breakdown (without oxygen) becomes an important mechanism for getting rid of contaminants

The scientists also investigated the impact of the three chemicals on the make-up of different estuarine microbial communities. Over time the types of micro-organisms changed as the compounds were degraded. In aerobic conditions, benzene and toluene did not appear to affect community structure but naphthalene stimulated the growth of Cycloclasticus spirillensus, a bacterium known to break down oil residues. These bacteria might be used as a natural way of cleaning up pollution.

"Our work shows that microbes are very versatile and can live on most types of chemicals" said Dr Aganbi, "More work is needed to identify bacteria in these mud sediments as little is known about the range of bacteria present. Estuaries are ideal locations for refineries and petrochemical facilities - it is essential that mudflats are preserved to provide a natural clean-up area for pollution".

Society for General Microbiology

Related Petrochemical Current Events and Petrochemical News Articles

Petrochemical Current Events and Petrochemical News RSS

Rice U. lab leads hunt for new zeolites
In all the world, there are about 200 types of zeolite, a compound of silicon, aluminum and oxygen that gives civilization such things as laundry detergent, kitty litter and gasoline. But thanks to computations by Rice University professor Michael Deem and his colleagues, it appears there are -- or could be -- more types of zeolites than once thought.

Simulation suggests rocky exoplanet has bizarre atmosphere
So accustomed are we to the sunshine, rain, fog and snow of our home planet that we find it next to impossible to imagine a different atmosphere and other forms of precipitation.

'Green' energy from algae
In view of the shortage of petrochemical resources and climate change, development of CO2-neutral sustainable fuels is one of the most urgent challenges of our times.

University of Minnesota researchers discover breakthrough method for chemical separations
A team of researchers, led by chemical engineering and materials science professor Michael Tsapatsis in the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology, have developed a more energy-efficient method of chemical separations that could revolutionize processes in the petrochemical and biofuels industries.

Hydrocarbons in the deep Earth?
The oil and gas that fuels our homes and cars started out as living organisms that died, were compressed, and heated under heavy layers of sediments in the Earth's crust. Scientists have debated for years whether some of these hydrocarbons could also have been created deeper in the Earth and formed without organic matter.

GEN reports on alternative feedstocks for ethanol production
Scientists say they are forging ahead in developing replacements for petrochemical fuels that will be cost-competitive and renewable while having a minimal impact on the environment, reports Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).

Extreme makeover chemistry style
In revisiting a chemical reaction that's been in the literature for several decades and adding a new wrinkle of their own, researchers with Berkeley Lab and the University of California (UC) Berkeley have discovered a mild and relatively inexpensive procedure for removing oxygen from biomass.

The microbial hydrocarbon diet
Bioremediation of industrial sites and petrochemical spillages often involves finding microbes that can gorge themselves on the toxic chemicals. This leaves behind a non-toxic residue or mineralized material.

Argonne scientists discover new platinum catalysts for the dehydrogenation of propane
The process to turn propane into industrially necessary propylene has been expensive and environmentally unfriendly. That was until scientists at U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory devised a greener way to take this important step in chemical catalysis.

Peptides-on-demand: McGill researcher's radical new green chemistry makes the impossible possible
McGill University chemistry professor Chao-Jun (C.J.) Li is known as one of the world leading pioneers in green chemistry, an entirely new approach to the science which eschews the use of toxic, petrochemical-based solvents in favour of basic substances like water and new ways of making molecules.

More Petrochemical Current Events and Petrochemical News Articles

	Petrochemicals in Nontechnical Language 3rd edition by Donald L. Burdick (Author), William L. Leffler (Author) An overview of petrochemicals, for the non-expert. Covers 90% of the traded petrochemicals today, by volume. Can be used as a reference or primer in petrochemical economics, or as a study tool. Exercises are provided at the end of each chapter. Previous edition: c1990. DLC: Petroleum chemicals.
	Whos Who in World Petrochemicals & Plastics by Whos Who World Petrochemicals Contains information on 3,700 corporates offices and 9,600 key executives.
	Handbook of Petrochemicals Production Processes (Mcgraw-Hill Handbooks) by Robert Meyers (Author) Supported by some of the largest petrochemical and petroleum companies in the world, this unique handbook provides the secrets to the latest in licensed petrochemical technology for some of the most economically important chemicals used throughout the world Process chemistry and thermodynamics are covered for each major processing unit as applicable.
	1961 Gulf Petrochemicals Computer Wiring Print Ad by AdsPast.com An original vintage magazine ad print from the year published. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plastic sleeve with backing board.
	Green (petrochemical documentary between Baton Rouge and New Orleans) Also With: Laura Dunn (Primary Contributor)
	"American Petrochemical Production, Building a Nylon Salts Plant" ..... 1948 LIFE Magazine Cover, A2092 * THIS IS A COVER ONLY / NOT A MAGAZINE * This Item is an original, taken from a vintage magazine of the year indicated. The Cover is suitable for framing and displaying in your home or office. The picture scan of this item is an accurate representation, however it was scanned through protective plastic shrink wrap. The nominal size is 10.5 inches by 14 inches.
	Pro Shot Industrial Re-Newing Floor Restorer And Finish (32 oz.) Petrochemical-Free Formula by Gaiam One application of this industrial-strength, petrochemical-free formula fills in scratches and rejuvenates dull spots on sealed wood, vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo, concrete, marble and slate floors. Floor Renew goes on just like a wax and dries to a brilliant finish that lasts for months. Protects floors from stains, heel marks and yellowing without buildup. 32 oz. - Bottle renews 625 square feet. Made in the USA. Features: One easy to apply application Odor free and stringently tested with The American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards for your assurance of exceptional quality and professional results Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. (UL) listed as to slip resistance Cleans: Sealed wood, vinyl, linoleum, no-wax rubber sealed cork, terrazzo, concrete,...
	Petrochemical Pharmaceutical Military Industrial Complex Thrall (Primary Contributor)
	Intensive Lip Treatment by Trilogy, New Zealand This ultra-moisturizing lip treatment contains the nutrients and essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil to assist the rejuvenation of dry, parched lips and aid nutrition for smooth healthy lips. Enriched with jojoba oil and cocoa butter to further promote lip softness and extracts of rosemary and citrus to awaken the senses.
	Fantastic Plastic - A Future Near You (Institutional Use) Starring: Tim Balme Directed By: Michael Hardcastle Also With: Malcolm Hall (Producer), Malcolm Hall (Writer), Richard Thomas (Producer), Michael Stedman (Producer) Mention the word 'plastic' and most people think of 'cheap' and 'mass produced', but not all plastics are like that. In fact some of them are so special that we're prepared to stake our lives on them. Fantastic Plastic - A Future Near You takes an in-depth look at how these simple synthetic materials are pushing back the boundaries of medical science, and enabling pioneers in dozens of different fields to explore new frontiers. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.