The Role of Bacteria in the Formation and Transformation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Although bacteria are important in the formation and transformation of petroleum, geological, geophysical and geochem. factors are also important. It is doubtful that any petroleum hydrocarbons except methane may be synthesized on a commercial scale by bacteria. The use of bacteria in the petroleum industry is most practical in the recovery of petroleum from oil-hearing materials, in certain refinery processes and in the disposal of various waste products. Wherever petroleum or its products are stored in contact with water, the possible effects of hydrocarbon-oxidizing organisms must be considered.