Chapter 9 Distribution of Hydrocarbon-Oxidizing Bacteria on the Georgia Shelf Area and Oil-Degrading Activities

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the distribution of hydrocarbon oxidizing marine bacteria of the surface microlayer, near-surface waters and bottom sediments of the continental shelf off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida. Populations of hydrocarbon-using bacteria, especially representatives of the genera Alteromonas and Pseudomonas, are broadly distributed. Cell proliferation and hydrocarbon degradation by test cultures, while variable in rate and degree of reduction, show the ability of the community to adjust to increased hydrocarbon levels. This is supported by increasing the density of hydrocarbon-using forms in the study area when hydrocarbon concentrations increased during the fall. The presence of nitrates and phosphates is essential to the metabolic degradation of hydrocarbons. The nutrient availability became limiting in the event of massive oil spills in restricted areas.