AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -These bacteria are known as hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. Pseudomonas can digest the hydrocarbons in oil. They are gram negative bacteria that are found in soil, water and plants and animals. A species called Pseudomonas putida is widely used in oil spill decontamination or bioremediation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Two bioremediation approaches have been used in the United States for oil spill cleanups-biostimulation and bioaugmentation. Biostimulation is the method of adding nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to a contaminated environment to stimulate the growth of the microorganisms that break down oil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dispersants are chemicals that are sprayed on a surface oil slick to break down the oil into smaller droplets that more readily mix with the water.

Detailed explanation-4: -The ability of microorganisms-bacteria, archaea, fungi, or algae-to break down hydrocarbons is the basis for natural and enhanced bioremediation. To promote biodegradation, amendments such as nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer are often added to stimulate microbial growth and metabolism.

Detailed explanation-5: -Pseudomonas veronii can degrade large number of aromatic organic compounds. These oil-based compounds are eaten up by the bacteria as they utilize them as substrates for carrying out metabolism. These microorganisms occur in abundance in water bodies and soil and are effective in cleansing oil spills.