Identification of Unknown Hydrocarbon-decomposing Microbes of the Great Salt Lake Petroleum Seep

Authors

Eric Barker, Brigham Young University
Dr. Alan Harker, Brigham Young University

Keywords

hydocarbon-decomposing microbes, Great Salt Lake, petroleum seep

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Biodegradation of hydrocarbons (petroleum and oil like substances) has long been an issue of interest to microbiologists. The process is one in which microorganisms naturally break down oil or petroleum for their benefit as a source of carbon and energy. There is a wide range of practical uses in society for which such oil degrading capabilities could be used (such as natural oil spill cleanup). However the scope of this technology’s potential usefulness has been greatly restricted as thus far no microorganisms have been shown to have the capacity to biodegrade hydrocarbons in a hypersaline (extremely salty) environment, a condition concurrently encountered with many natural oil deposits.

Recommended Citation

Barker, Eric and Harker, Dr. Alan (2013) "Identification of Unknown Hydrocarbon-decomposing Microbes of the Great Salt Lake Petroleum Seep," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1232.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1232