Degradation of Hydrocarbons

	Back to Home
Organic Matter Decomposition Degradation of Plant Residues Humus Genera of Microorganisms Capable of Utilising Different Components of Organic Matter Humic Acids Beneficial Role of Humic Acids

Degradation of Hydrocarbons

Degradation of Hydrocarbons
The natural sources of hydrocarbons in soil are waxes and other constitutents of tissues, hydrocarbon-like synthetic molecules produced by soil microflora and the oils used as base material for suspending insecticides which are sprayed for the control of insect pests of crops. In pure culture studies, it has been demonstrated that when the regular carbon source in synthetic media (such as sucrose, glucose etc.) are replaced by hydrocarbons such as paraffin, kerosene, gasoline and lubricating oils, growth of certain microorganisms takes place indicating the ability of certain microorganisms to utilize hydrocarbons.

It is known that both saturated and unsaturated molecules are decomposed by certain microorganisms, the latter being more vulnerable to attack than the former. Many fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes are known to degrade hydrocarbons. For instance, ethane (C₂H₆), a short chain, low molecular weight paraffin hydrocarbon is metabolized by Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and several fungi. High molecular weight hydrocarbons are also degraded by a variety of microorganisms of the genera Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces etc

	Back to Home
Mineralization and Immobilization Process Effects of Residues of Crops on Plant Growth Soil Sickness Composting Vermicomposting Green Manure Anaerobic Decomposition of Organic Matter Biogas Degradation of Hydrocarbons

Home | Site map | Submit Article | Directory | Search