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Potential effects of microorganisms on petroleum asphalt: a state-of-the-art review
Xiang Liu1,2,3, Zhen Qin4, Tao Shen4
1Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, China. Lx@kust.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Microorganisms are increasingly recognized as biological factors that may influence asphalt materials performance and pavement service behavior. This review integrates petroleum biodegradation mechanisms, petroleum asphalt composition, and direct asphalt evidence to examine microbial effects in asphalt systems. The results show that microbial effects mainly depend on preferential fraction transformation and environmental regulation. Light and bioavailable fractions, especially saturates and some aromatic compounds, are more easily utilized, whereas resins and asphaltenes are more resistant but may still undergo limited transformation. Environmental factors regulate microbial activity, substrate availability, and mass transfer. Direct studies show microbial action may consume light fractions, enrich heavy fractions, change surface and molecular features, weaken adhesion, increase viscosity or stiffness, and reduce water stability, thereby promoting asphalt deterioration during service. Controlled microbial processes may support asphalt modification, recycling, regeneration, and sustainable maintenance. Future studies should clarify asphalt-specific microbial mechanisms and assess their sustainable potential in asphalt recycling and maintenance.
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