title: Comparison of biodegradability of crude and fuel oils.
abstract: Crude and fuel oils were compared for ability to support growth of a mixed population of estuarine bacteria. A total of four oils, two crude and two fuel oils, were examined. It was found that each of the oils supported a unique population of bacteria and yeasts, with respect to generic composition. Low-sulfur, high-saturate, South Louisiana crude oil was found to be highly susceptible to degradation. In contrast, the dense, high-sulfur, high-aromatic, Bunker C fuel oil was strongly refractory to microbial degradation.
mesh_terms: D000473:Alkanes / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005648:Fuel Oils / Q000032:analysis; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis; D012623:Seawater; D014871:Water Microbiology; D015003:Yeasts / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000473:Alkanes; D005648:Fuel Oils; D010578:Petroleum