Ecological relationships between marine microorganisms and hydrocarbons in the OEI Study Area, Louisiana

Abstract

From the Abstract: “Seven cruise exercises were conducted as one component of the Offshore Ecology Investgation (OEI) to determine the relationships between microorganisms and hydrocarbons in surface waters…There was no correlation between the numbers of oil degraders and hydrocarbon concentrations found. This may be the result of the low concentrations of hydrocarbons in situ, which would limit microbial response. The numbers of bacteria and concentrations of hydrocarbons in the OEI study area were similar to those found in control areas in the eastern and western parts of the Gulf.”