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Oil-destroying bacteria can save marine life and ecosystems, and scientists have recently shared significant advances in the existence of these microorganisms.
In a study published in Marine Biology magazine, DVFU researchers describe how they identified bacteria capable of degrading oil in cold waters of the Sea of Japan. These discoveries pave the way for the creation of a bioproduct based on these bacteria that help in the cleaning of oil spills.
Oil-destroying bacteria and their benefits
As oil-destroying bacteria have a significantly greater natural advantage compared to other cleaning strategies, such as the addition of oil-dispersing chemicals. These microorganisms are able to fully decompose petroleum into non-toxic compounds such as water and carbon dioxide.
In more specific terms, hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria, such as those researched by the Russian scientists, use hydrocarbon molecules as a source of energy and carbon to grow and reproduce. When oil is spilled, it is potential food for these bacteria. Over time, these microorganisms can degrade and eliminate much of the ocean oil.
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The importance of the discovery of bacteria in the Sea of Japan
The geographic location of the destructive bacteria discovered by Russian scientists is significant. The Sea of Japan is known to have large amounts of oil, due to drilling and shipping activities in the region. O sea of japan it is also affected by a particularly cold climate, which makes it difficult for many microorganisms to survive. The bacteria the scientists found are cold-resistant and function at much lower temperatures than other hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria.
With the genome of these destructive bacteria decoded, Russian researchers believe they can develop effective solutions to better monitor oil pollution in the waters of the Sea of Japan and elsewhere around the world.
Future potential of a biological solution to clean up oil spills
Currently, environmental clean-up methods after oil spills often involve the use of chemicals that can cause additional damage to the ecosystem. Furthermore, chemical solutions require large amounts of money, effort and equipment to carry out. Producing a biological solution offers a much safer and more sustainable option for cleaning oil spills.
The production of a bioproduct based on oil-destroying bacteria identified by these Russian scientists offers a potentially viable biological solution. This is particularly attractive as it is a more cost-effective alternative to using chemical methods.
