Woolly rhino bacteria cleans up oil spills

Following research led by Larisa Yerofeevskaya, a research fellow from the Institute of Oil and Gas Problems in Yakutsk, Russia, it has been found that the hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms found in the frozen remains of the cave lion and the woolly rhinoceros can decompose oil components into water and carbon dioxide.

The oil is decomposed by microorganism, leaving behind water, carbon dioxide, and protein.

Yerofeevskaya explained: “These microorganisms can be used for the manufacture of the oil spills liquidation, and oil-polluted soil and water. Microorganisms decompose oil components to water and carbon dioxide and microbial protein, which is safe and processed by other bacteria located in the substrate.”

This revolutionary discovery is in the early stages, but it is hoped that it will provide the industry with an amazing resolution to a global issue.

Sources: Siberian Times, Your Oil and Gas News

Edited from various sources by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/27112015/woolly-rhino-bacteria-could-clean-oil-spills-1703/