Oxidation of hydrocarbons by microorganisms isolated from soil.

Fertile soil contains significant numbers of microorganisms that can utilize hydrocarbons as a sole source of carbon and energy. Soils taken from oil fields contain an increased percentage of the total microbial population that can grow on petroleum hydrocarbons. Microorganisms isolated on a variety of non-hydrocarbon substrates were tested for the ability to grow at the expense of n-tridecane. Those isolated on substrates that require an oxygenase for assimilation grew on the n-alkane in much greater numbers than organisms isolated on substrates that do not. One organism isolated on o-phthalic acid simultaneously induced to propane and o-phthalate after growth on glucose. The possible mechanism(s) involved are discussed.