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R' <br /> �i <br /> � 2 <br /> limiting factors are well known, their interactions with respect <br /> to dotermining rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation are not; <br /> therefore, it has been of significant value to <br /> htose now din <br /> this work to have been given the Opportunity velopg?�n <br /> and implemented their. own treatment protocols; for by p g <br /> thus they have been able to improve upon standard practice and <br /> develop methods which appear tc have led to significant advances <br /> in the field of applied biodegradation technology. Much <br /> information has yet to be obtained, however, and efforts continue <br /> to acquire additional data regarding the following: <br /> PHXSICAL STATE OF THE {PETROLEUM) CONTAMINANT <br /> While proprietary bloremediation projects to date have involved <br /> only soils, preparations are being made for the treatment of <br /> fuel hydrocarbon contaminated waters. Further, the high moisture <br /> ed <br /> content of n many <br /> uaticaenvironment. This tcondition ti <br /> ontminated soils hasc confirmed <br /> respects, ann aqaq <br /> that the surface areas available for microbial "attack have <br /> a marked influence on the fate of the petroleum contaminantstable <br /> Such conditions may include a thin surface film (slick) , <br /> oil-water emulsion, entrainment within sediments, <br /> oriassociation <br /> with suspended particles. While tdispersinoil mayg more susceptible <br /> ncrease <br /> toxicity for higher organisms, <br /> to microbial attack. Hydrocarbon 1tilizing microorganisms <br /> typically position themselves at the hydrocarbon-water interface, <br /> a position that assures them maximum access to both the <br /> hydrocarbon substrate and water soluble mineral nutrients. <br /> Many suc' microbes also produce surface active agents that <br /> emulsify oil, thereby increasing surface area. This increased <br /> surface area provides additional interface for microbial <br /> development and contaminant utilization. <br /> TEMPERATURE <br /> As with other microbial activities, the <br /> biodegradation <br /> dependent. of <br /> While <br /> petroleum products is strongloving") <br /> hydrocarbon degrading bacteria <br /> thermophilic ("heat loving„) Y <br /> have been isolated, these microorganisms have appeared to play <br /> only a minor role with <br /> (thoseilic thriving <br /> n <br /> t moderate <br /> temperature) bceammmonlyconsideredthe predominant <br /> projects have, however, produced <br /> degraders. Proprietary <br /> preliminary data which appears to demonstrate a more significant <br /> role for thermophilic bacteria than referenced within literature. <br /> II. <br /> mom <br />