Microbial degradation of resins fractionated from Arabian light crude oil

Abstract

Sediment samples from Japanese coasts were screened for microorganisms able to degrade resin components of crude oil, and a mixed population that could degrade 35% of 5000 ppm resin in 15 days was obtained. This population also metabolized 50% of saturates and aromatics present in crude oil (5000 ppm) in 7 days. A Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the mixed population emulsified and degraded 30% of resins. This strain also degraded saturates and aromatics (30%) present in crude oil (5000 ppm). This is the first report describing organisms that are able to grow on the resin fraction of crude oil as a sole source of carbon and energy.Key words: resin, crude oil, biodegradation, Iatroscan.