Abstract

Two Oil Sands Tailings Ponds Native Microbes Iso-Alkane Breakdowns by Methanogenic Organisms

Author(s): Louis Griffin*

Alkanes, which are frequently present in crude oils and petroleum products, are among the least chemically reactive organic compounds. Despite being inert, alkanes have been the only sources of carbon and energy for bacteria in aerobic settings for more than a century. On the other hand, the anaerobic microbial metabolism of alkanes has only recently been firmly demonstrated, with a focus largely on n-alkanes. There are currently few reports of anaerobic biodegradation of iso- and cycloalkanes due to their relative resistance compared to n-alkanes.