Ecological aspects of microbial degradation of petroleum in the marine environment.

Abstract : The biodegradation of naphthalene, creosote, and naphthalene-enriched creosote applied to wood pilings used at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico was studied. It was found that naphthalene-degrading bacteria rapidly colonized new wood pilings within hours after installation but that the rate of attachment and subsequent colonization was significantly slower for the naphthalene- enriched creosote-treated wood. The bacteria attaching to new wood were predominantly stalked bacteria whereas the microbial flora of old wood reflected that of the surrounding water and sediment. The gut of Limnoria tripunctata reared in the laboratory was found to be free of bacteria but the external surfaces of the borer were heavily colonized by bacteria. (Author)