A radioisotope assay for the quantification of hydrocarbon biodegradation potential in environmental samples.
An enrichment culture method is described for quantifying the activity of hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria in water and sediments. Application of the procedure indicated that the hydrocarbon oxidizing potential of environmental samples reflects the hydrocarbon burden of the area, the ability of the microflora to utilize hydrocarbons, and that lakes with large aquatic plant communities contain populations of hydrocarbon bacteria comparable to those found in oil-polluted harbors.
Department of Oceanography, Florida State University, 32306, Tallahassee, Florida.
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Caparello
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Larock