title: The biodegradation of crude oil in the deep ocean.
abstract: Oil biodegradation at a simulated depth of 1500m was studied in a high-pressure apparatus at 5°C, using natural seawater with its indigenous microbes, and 3ppm of an oil with dispersant added at a dispersant:oil ratio of 1:15. Biodegradation of the detectable hydrocarbons was prompt and extensive (>70% in 35days), although slower by about a third than under otherwise identical conditions equivalent to the surface. The apparent half-life of biodegradation of the total detectable hydrocarbons at 15MPa was 16days (compared to 13days at atmospheric pressure), although some compounds, such as the four-ring aromatic chrysene, were degraded rather more slowly.
authors.affiliation: ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Annandale, NJ 08810, USA. Electronic address: roger.c.prince@exxonmobil.com.
authors.forename: Roger C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Prince
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, Canada.
authors.forename: Gordon W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, Canada.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D006207:Half-Life; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000378:metabolism; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D010578:Petroleum / Q000378:metabolism*; D059392:Petroleum Pollution; D011312:Pressure; D012623:Seawater
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum
keywords: Biodegradation; Natural attenuation; Oil well blowouts