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Maintaining ocean ecosystem health with hydrocarbonoclastic microbes

Summary

Oil spills and petroleum pollution threaten ocean health worldwide. Special bacteria and archaea called hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms naturally break down oil hydrocarbons in seawater, sediments, and Arctic regions. Scientists are improving cleanup strategies by understanding how these microbes work and combining natural degradation with engineered approaches like adding nutrients and biosurfactants.

Background

Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution from accidental spills and industrial activities has deeply disrupted marine ecosystems globally. Obligate hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms (OHCM) play a crucial role in mineralizing hydrocarbons and protecting ocean health. Understanding these specialized microbes is essential for developing effective bioremediation strategies.

Objective

This review examines recent findings on the physiology, metabolism, and ecology of marine obligate hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms. The authors discuss strategies for improved biotechnological solutions using hydrocarbon-degrading microbes for remediation in marine water columns, sediments, beaches, and Arctic regions.

Results

The review identifies that OHCM are primarily from Gammaproteobacteria and show greater metabolic versatility than previously understood, capable of degrading both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Natural attenuation, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and biosurfactant amendments are effective strategies, with combination approaches showing enhanced remediation efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding microbial oil degradation mechanisms in situ conditions is crucial for developing efficient strategies against hydrocarbon contamination. Harnessing natural self-healing capacity of marine ecosystems through optimized bioremediation protocols can effectively reduce detrimental effects of oil spills on marine environments and human societies.
  • Published in:ISME Communications,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40308514
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