Search

Laboratory experiments showed that microorganisms present on creosoted piling in Port Hueneme harbor were found to have the ability to metabolize creosote, causing loss of creosote and producing chemical changes similar to those which occur naturally in creosote exposed in a submerged harbor environment. This metabolism appears to be restricted to the aromatic hydrocarbon components. Two of these, naphthalene and phenanthrene, were shown to be metabolized to a significant extent by certain marine microorganisms.

The administration of a cobalt diet for 5 and 8 days before and for 15 days after x-irradiation increased the tolerance of female albino mice to total body x-irradiation (720 r). The administration of a cobalt diet for 36 days before and for 15 days after irradiation and the administration of a cobalt diet for 30 days beginning immediately after irradiation produced no pronounced beneficial effects.

Natural oil seeps and accidental spills are common to the coast of Southern California. Field observations and laboratory tests support the view that marine microorganisms have the capacity to oxidize and thus degrade oil and derivatives of oil. The report describes the sampling of beach sand, sediment water, and tar deposits from 15 different sites of Southern California, where oil spills are chronic. The laboratory techniques of isolating and culturing hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms are also described, as are cell density studies, where Navy fuels are used are used as the sole source of energy for microbes in the collected samples. To date, 62 hydrocarbon-oxidizing species, 48 bacteria, 10 fungi, and 4 yeasts have been isolated.

The report describes the problem caused by the accumulation of diesel fuel in the ground adjacent to leaking storage tanks at the Transmitter Site, NAVCOM Station, Greece. The on-site survey account describes the data collection techniques employed and gives values of physical measurements made. Chemical and biological analyses were made later and the results of the analyses are used to develop a hypothesis regarding the extent and magnitude of the oil contamination. Recommendations are made to recover free oil from the area by pumping from collection pits and to restore the soil to an oil-free condition by bacterial seeding. (Author)