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Microbial response to crude oil and Corexit 9527: SEAFLUXES enclosure study
1Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, B. C., Canada.
Microbial Ecology
|November 14, 2013
Summary
Marine bacteria production increased with Corexit and crude oil, which also reduced grazers. Biodegradation, not abiotic processes, was key for n-alkane loss in dispersed oil.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Environmental chemistry
- Ecosystem dynamics
Background:
- Marine bacteria are crucial for nutrient cycling.
- Oil spills introduce contaminants like crude oil and dispersants.
- Understanding microbial responses to oil spills is vital for ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate marine bacterial responses to Corexit 9527 and crude oil exposure.
- To determine the impact of oil-dispersant mixtures on bacterial production and grazing.
- To assess the fate of n-alkanes in a marine environment.
Main Methods:
- Controlled ecosystem enclosures simulating a pelagic environment.
- Monitoring of marine bacteria over 22 days.
- Use of radiolabeled crude oil (n-(1-(14)C)hexadecane) to track hydrocarbon fate.
Main Results:
- Corexit and dispersed oil stimulated bacterial production.
- Highest bacterial stocks were in oil-dispersant treated enclosures, with reduced bacterivores.
- Biodegradation was the primary mechanism for n-alkane loss.
Conclusions:
- Corexit and crude oil can enhance marine bacterial activity.
- Dispersed oil impacts microbial community structure by affecting grazing.
- Microbial degradation plays a significant role in the remediation of oil spills.
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