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Motivation Protein–protein interactions (PPI) are crucial components of the biomolecular networks that enable cells to function. Biological experiments have identified a large number of PPI, and these interactions are stored in knowledge bases. However, these interactions are often restricted to specific cellular environments and conditions. Network activity can be characterized as the extent of agreement between a PPI network (PPIN) and a distinct cellular environment measured by protein mass spectrometry, and it can also be quantified as a statistical significance score. Without knowing the activity of these PPI in the cellular environments or specific phenotypes, it is impossible to reveal how these PPI perform and affect cellular functioning. Results To calculate the activity of PPIN in different cellular conditions, we proposed a PPIN activity evaluation framework named ActivePPI to measure the consistency between network architecture and protein measurement data. ActivePPI estimates the probability density of protein mass spectrometry abundance and models PPIN using a Markov-random-field-based method. Furthermore, empirical P -value is derived based on a nonparametric permutation test to quantify the likelihood significance of the match between PPIN structure and protein abundance data. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superior performance of ActivePPI and result in network activity evaluation, pathway activity assessment, and optimal network architecture tuning tasks. To summarize it succinctly, ActivePPI is a versatile tool for evaluating PPI network that can uncover the functional significance of protein interactions in crucial cellular biological processes and offer further insights into physiological phenomena. Availability and implementation All source code and data are freely available at https://github.com/zpliulab/ActivePPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By extracting molecular interactions identified by experiments, gene regulatory networks or gene circuits have documented in a large number of knowledge-based repositories. They provide systematic information and guidance of the functional connections between regulators, e.g., transcription factor proteins and miRNAs, and target genes. Network activity is defined as the degree of consistency between a regulatory network architecture and a specific cellular context of gene expression and can also be measured as a score of statistical significance. The gene network activities are closely related to the dynamics of cell states. To evaluate the activity of regulatory events in the form of network, we propose a network activity evaluation (NAE) framework by measuring the consistency between network architecture and gene expression data across specific states based on mathematical programming. NAE firstly employs the dynamic Bayesian network model to formulate the network structure with time series profiling data. For the constraints of prior knowledge about gene regulatory network, NAE introduces an interpretable general loss function with regularization penalties to calculate the degree of consistency between gene network and gene expression data. Moreover, we design a fast and convergent alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm to optimize the regularized constraint programming. The efficiency and advantage of the NAE framework is deduced through numerous experiments and comparison studies. It reflects the possibility and potential of the match between network and data, thereby helping to reveal the network activity and to explain the dynamic responds underlying the network structure caused by changes in molecular environment of living cells. The code of NAE is freely available for academic use (https://github.com/zpliulab/NAE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on analyzing different definitions for Coastal Zone, a new definition paying more attention to the determination of the regional border of Coastal Zone is obtained and adapted to the concept of scientific development. According to the above, with a new regional border of coastal zone in Yantai region gotten, the potential environmental impacts on the development strategy of this zone are discussed and a socio-economic impact assessment for the development is also advanced, finally, some suggestions are proposed. Keywords: Coastal areas, Development strategy, Socio-economic impact assessment, Yantai region, 1. Introduction Coastal zone is a kind of transitional zone between the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, influenced by both natural forces, such as the ocean, land and atmosphere, and other [...]

Bioremediation, mainly by indigenous bacteria, has been regarded as an effective way to deal with the petroleum pollution after an oil spill accident. The biodegradation of crude oil by microorganisms co-incubated from sediments collected from the Penglai 19-3 oil platform, Bohai Sea, China, was examined. The relative susceptibility of the isomers of alkylnaphthalenes, alkylphenanthrenes and alkyldibenzothiophene to biodegradation was also discussed. The results showed that the relative degradation values of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) are 43.56% and 51.29% for sediments with untreated microcosms (S-BR1) and surfactant-treated microcosms (S-BR2), respectively. TPH biodegradation results showed an obvious decrease in saturates (biodegradation rate: 67.85–77.29%) and a slight decrease in aromatics (biodegradation rate: 47.13–57.21%), while no significant difference of resins and asphaltenes was detected. The biodegradation efficiency of alkylnaphthalenes, alkylphenanthrenes and alkyldibenzothiophene for S-BR1 and S-BR2 samples reaches 1.28–84.43% and 42.56–86.67%, respectively. The efficiency of crude oil degradation in sediment with surfactant-treated microcosms cultures added Tween 20, was higher than that in sediment with untreated microcosms. The biodegradation and selective depletion is not only controlled by thermodynamics but also related to the stereochemical structure of individual isomer compounds. Information on the biodegradation of oil spill residues by the bacterial community revealed in this study will be useful in developing strategies for bioremediation of crude oil dispersed in the marine ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal-spatial distribution of the carbon and nitrogen contents and their isotopic compositions of suspended matter and sediments from the Yellow River estuary reach (YRER), the estuary to the offshore area were measured to identify the source of organic matter. The higher relative abundances of suspended and sedimentary carbon and nitrogen (POC, TOC, PN and TN) in the offshore marine area compared to those of the riverine and estuarine areas may be due to the cumulative and biological activity impact. The organic matter in surface sediments of YRER, the estuary and offshore area of Bohai Sea is basically the mixture of continental derived material and marine material. The values of δ 13 C sed fluctuate from values indicative of a land source (− 22.50‰ ± 0.31) to those indicative of a sea source (− 22.80‰ ± 0.38), which can be attributed to the fine particle size and decrease in terrigenous inputs to the offshore marine area. Contrary to the slight increase of POC and PN during the dry season, TOC and TN contents of the surface sediments during the flood season (October) were higher than those during the dry season (April). The seasonal differences in water discharge and suspended sediment discharge of the Yellow River Estuary may result in seasonal variability in TOC, POC, TN and PN concentrations in some degree. Overall, the surface sediments in the offshore area of Bohai Sea are dominated by marine derived organic carbon, which on average, accounts for 58–82% of TOC when a two end-member mixing model is applied to the isotopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine oil spill pollution is an important environmental problem in the world, especially crude oil-soaked marine sediments, because they are difficult to be remediated. In this study, in situ bioremediation of oil-soaked sediment was performed in the middle of the Bohai Sea. Oil-degrading bacteria were adsorbed on powdery zeolite (PZ)/granular zeolites (GZ) surfaces and then wrapped with poly-γ glutamic acid (γ-PGA). Settling column and wave flume experiments were conducted to model marine conditions and to select appropriate biological reagents. The optimal conditions were as follows: the average diameter of GZ 3 mm, mass ratio of GZ/PZ 2:1, and concentration of γ-PGA 7%. After bioremediation, over 50% of most oil-spilled pollutants n -alkanes (C 12 to C 27 ) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were degraded in 70 days. This work resulted in a successful trial of in situ bioremediation of oil-soaked marine sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs), biomarker and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations of surface water and sediment samples collected from Yellow River Estuary and adjacent coastal area in China were measured to determine their spatial distributions, analyze their sources and evaluate the ecological risk of PAHs in the water–sediment system. The spatial distributions of n -alkane in sediments are mainly controlled by the mixing inputs of terrigenous and marine components. In comparison with AHs, the total concentrations of Σ16PAHs in surface sediments from a transect of the offshore area were noticeably higher than that of the riverine and estuary areas. Additionally, the AHs and total PAHs concentrations all indicated an overall pattern of a seaward decrease. The PAHs concentrations during the dry season (mainly in the form of dissolved phase) were higher than that of PAHs (mainly dissolved phase and particulate phase form) in the flooding season. In comparison with global concentration levels of PAHs, the level of PAHs in suspended particulate matter and sediments from the Yellow River Estuary was lower than those from other countries, while the concentration of PAHs in the dissolved phase were in the middle range. Petroleum contamination, mainly from oil exploration and discharge of pollutants from rivers, was the main source of n -alkanes. The PAHs in the river were mostly of petrogenic origin, while those in the estuarial and marine areas originated mainly from pyrogenic sources. The results of the toxicology assessment suggested that the PAHs in sediments from Yellow River Estuary and adjacent coastal area exhibited a low potential eco-toxicological contamination level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of tar balls of unknown sources on the coast poses a great threat to the fishery, tourism and coastal biodiversity in the Bohai Sea. This work aimed to identify the sources of tar balls by using oil fingerprint technique. Tar ball samples were collected from the seashore of two islands of the western Bohai Sea and divided into two groups (Group I and Group II). Principal component analysis showed that although Caofeidian oilfield was one of the closest oilfields to the sampling area it was not a source. Fingerprints of characteristic hopanes and steranes showed that samples of Group I were similar to the crude oils from the nearby Jidong oilfield, and samples of Group II were similar to the Penglai-19-3 crude oils. Combined with cross-plots of the samples and the reference oils, it indicated that Group I may come from Jidong and Group II may come from Penglai-19-3. The weathering characteristics of alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed that the samples were affected by natural weathering processes (e.g., evaporation, photooxidation and biodegradation). It revealed that oil pollution from the nearby oilfields can also affect other areas under the influence of ocean circulation. It is the first study on source identification of tar balls from the Bohai Sea and the effects of ocean circulation on the tar ball transport. This study can considerably help to further understand the evolution of tar balls and consequently determine their sources. [Display omitted] • First study of source identification of tar ball from the Bohai Sea. • First study on transportation of tar balls influenced by the oceanic circulation. • Various statistical methods are effective for oil spill identification. • PL19-3 and Jidong oils were identified as the most likely sources of the tar balls. • Tar balls suffered from evaporation, photooxidation and biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the effects of potential oil spills will provide data in support of decisions related to improving the response to oil spills and its emergency management. We selected the Chinese Bohai Sea, especially the Bohai Strait, as our investigation region to provide an assessment of the effects of pollution from ship-related oil spills on adjacent coastal zones. Ship-related accidents are one of the major factors causing potential oil spills in this area. A three dimensional oil transport and transformation model was developed using the Estuary, Coastal, and Ocean Model. This proposed model was run 90 times and each run lasted for 15 days to simulate the spread and weathering processes of oil for each of four potential spill sites, which represented potential sites of ship collisions along heavy traffic lanes in the Bohai Sea. Ten neighboring coastal areas were also considered as target zones that potentially could receive pollutants once oil spilled in the study areas. The statistical simulations showed that spills in winter were much worse than those in summer; they resulted in very negative effects on several specific target zones coded Z7, Z8, Z9, and Z10 in this paper. In addition, sites S3 (near the Penglai city) and S4 (near the Yantai city) were the two most at-risk sites with a significantly high probability of pollution if spills occurred nearby during winter. The results thus provided practical guidelines for local oil spill prevention, as well as an emergency preparedness and response program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy fuel oils (HFOs) and crude oils are the main oil types in the marine oil spill accidents in China. It is usually a challenge to distinguish the HFOs from crude oils due to the highly similar physicochemical characteristics. In this paper, the distributions of phenanthrene (Phe), anthracene (Ant), methyl-phenanthrene (MP) and methyl-anthracene (MA) in hundreds of HFOs and crude oils samples which were collected from all over the world were characterized. Nine new diagnostic indexes, such as Ant/(Ant + Phe) and other eight diagnostic ratios based on the MP isomers and MA, were developed for effective distinguishing HFOs from crude oils. The histogram with normal fit plots, the double ratio plots and Bayes discriminant analysis (BDA) method were employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the new diagnostic indexes. BDA model based on nine new diagnostic indexes demonstrated high precision with discriminant ratio which lay between 93.92% and 99.32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon and hydrogen stable isotope ratios of n-alkanes are presented for Suaeda salsa and Phragmites australis from the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. Under unpolluted conditions, S. salsa has lighter, mean carbon isotopic composition and heavier, mean hydrogen isotopic composition than those of P. australis. The δC and δD variation of n-alkane in S. salsa and P. australis between unpolluted conditions and petroleum-polluted soil conditions, is small (ΔC = 0.7 ± 0.6 ‰, ΔC = 0.8 ± 0.7 ‰, ΔD = 6.4 ± 11.9 ‰ and ΔD = 4.8 ± 8.6 ‰). The plants in the contaminated area have a lighter, mean carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions than those measured in the unpolluted area of the YRD. The lighter values of δD and δC of individual n-alkanes in plants from petroleum soil may be due to the reduction of photosynthesis and slowness of water usage effectiveness caused by petroleum pollution. Therefore, the δD and δC values of the plants S. salsa and P. australis could be used as proxies for evaluation of petroleum-polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediment samples from Bohai Bay and its adjacent river, China, were analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbon, PAHs and biomarkers in order to determine the distribution, composition and source of organic matter in a coastal environment. Results suggested that the input of organic matter from anthropogenic activities has a more significant influence on its distribution than that from natural processes. Petroleum contamination, mainly from offshore oil exploration and discharge of pollutants from rivers, was the main source of n -alkanes. PAHs were mostly of pyrogenic origin; while some sites in Yellow River Estuary were derived mainly from the petrogenic sources. The toxic assessment suggested that the PAHs in surface sediments will not cause immediately adverse biological effects in sediments from Bohai Bay and its adjacent river, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Discuss the weathering characteristics of spilled oil in the natural coastal zone environments of Dalian Bay. [•] Determine the effects of natural weathering processes on the isotopic composition of individual n-alkanes. [•] A variety of diagnostic ratios were developed and evaluated for spill source identification and differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Experimental pyrolysis of Eocene lignite in the presence of water was conducted in a closed system for a heating duration of 120 min at temperatures of 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C and pressures of 1 to 3 GPa (equivalent to burial depths of about 30 to 100 km). The distribution of terpanes in the resulting pyrolysates was analyzed in order to investigate the effects of pressure and temperature on maturation of organic matter for this heating time at mantle depths. The results indicate that terpanes show more mature characteristics with increasing temperature at a given pressure. However, high pressures significantly retarded the thermal evolution of organic matter. Also, high pressures had a non-linear effect on maturation, resulting in anomalous variations of maturity parameters and ratios (tricyclics / hopanes, Ts/Tm, C3122S / (22S+22R), and βα-moretane /αβ-hopanes). In addition, the isomerization of hopanes at the C-22 position did not reach typical end-point values, even at 700°C. These results are a preliminary step towards a better understanding of organic matter maturation and oil and gas exploration in high temperature and pressure regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of high pressure and temperature on carbon isotopic compositions of acyclic alkanes and the stability of the acyclic alkanes were experimentally investigated. The pyrolysis of lignite with water in a closed system was conducted at 400–700°C and 1–3 GPa. The carbon isotope data, variations of peak carbon and evident odd–even predominance of acyclic alkanes indicated that: (1) the high pressure retarded the maturation of organic matter and destruction of hydrocarbons, (2) n-C12+ hydrocarbons from biogenic sources could be preserved in the cool slab subducted into the upper mantle, and (3) some organic compounds might preserve the carbon isotope signals inherited from biogenic sources. The results favor tracing the origins of organic matter in mantle rocks and extraterrestrial organic matter in meteorites and the process of deep carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and their δ13C and δ15N values were determined for 42 surface sediments from coastal Bohai Bay in order to determine the concentration and identify the source of organic matter. The sampling sites covered both the marine region of coastal Bohai Bay and the major rivers it connects with. More abundant TOC and TN in sediments from rivers than from the marine region reflect the situation that most of the terrestrial organic matter is deposited before it meets the sea. The spatial variation in δ13C and δ15N signatures implies that the input of organic matter from anthropogenic activities has a more significant influence on its distribution than that from natural processes. Taking the area as a whole, surface sediments in the marine region of coastal Bohai Bay are dominated by marine derived organic carbon, which on average accounts for 62±11% of TOC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new method for the quantitative assessment of hydrocarbon generation potential from coals by means of the chemical reaction kinetics has been developed gradually over the recent years. In this paper, the kinetic parameters of hydrocarbon gas generation are determined by high temperature and pressure, and closed- system thermal simulation for Late Paleozoic coals in the Qinshui Basin and the kinetic characteristics and the histories of hydrocarbon gas generation were studied using the parameters obtained. Results show that during the longer period from the Triassic (T) to the Middle Jurassic (J2), the coal-derived methane yield increased more slowly under lower palaeogeotemperature in the Qinshui Basin; however, the shorter period from Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, the coal-derived methane yield increased more rapidly under higher palaeogeotemperature. The correlation between the thermal simulation and the factual data shows that C1/(C1+C2-4) coefficients computed by the histories of methane and C2-C4 hydrocarbon generation can provide evidence for the identification of the genesis of coal bed gas in the different areas of the Qinshui Basin. The kinetic simulating experiment of hydrocarbon generation for the peat considered as the original matter of coal formation was performed for the first time and the simulated results were compared with the characteristics of hydrocarbon generation from coals undergoing various palaeogeotemperature in the Qinshui Basin. The result indicates that the peat has a higher potential of hydrocarbon generation than that of coals. Therefore, the hydrocarbon generation results obtained from kinetic simulation for coal with higher maturation rank could not stand for their original hydrocarbon generation potential and thus would lead to an underestimation for coal-bed gas resource. The generative amount of coal-derived gas in the Qinshui Basin was predicted using kinetic simulation results for the peat and their maximum was estimated. The calculation shows that the generative amount of coal-derived gas from Taiyuan Formation and Shanxi Formation coal-beds in the Qinshui Basin is the highest in Yangcheng area, higher in Qinyuan area and the lowest in Huoshan area. Therefore, the conditions of coal-bed gas generation are the best in Yangcheng area, the second in Qinyuan area and not very good in Huoshan area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and distribution of n -alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the Yellow River and a sedimentary core from the Yellow River Estuary, China, were measured in order to determine environmental changes in the Yellow River Estuary on a regional scale. The concentration of n -alkane in SPM increased along the upper-middle-lower reaches of the Yellow River. The total concentrations of n -alkanes and PAHs in the core ranged from 0.04 to 0.86 μg g−1 (avg. 0.21 μg g−1), and from 0.04 to 0.29 μg g−1 (avg. 0.15 μg g−1) on a dry wt. basis, respectively. Understanding the temporal evolution of n -alkanes provide information on terrigenous versus aquatic productivity, oil exploration at the Shengli Oilfield, and channel diversion in the Yellow River. n -Alkanes in SPM were mainly derived from mixed sources, with terrigenous inputs dominating. PAHs in the sediment core were predominantly derived from coal and biomass combustion. The variation in PAHs levels throughout the core determines changes in energy use and socio-economic development. The temporal variability in n -alkane and PAHs and their molecular diagnostic ratios revealed a trend of regional environmental change and the role of anthropogenic activity in that environmental change. • T-ALK in SPM increased along upper-middle-lower reaches of the Yellow River. • Historical input of n -alkane and PAHs were consistent with anthropogenic activity. • Diversion of the Yellow River may cause some change of n -alkane and PAHs source. • PAHs are a sensitive tracer for anthropogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the semi-enclosed environment of the Bohai Sea, the ecological effects caused by an oil spill would be significant. A typical in- situ bioremediation engineering project for of oil-spilled marine sediments was performed in the Bohai Sea and a quantitative assessment of the ecological restoration was performed. The bioremediation efficiencies of n -alkane and PAHs in the sediment are 32.84 ± 21.66% and 50.42 ± 17.49% after 70 days of bioremediation, and 60.99 ± 10.14% and 68.01 ± 18.60% after 210 days, respectively. After 210 days of bioremediation, the degradation rates of two- to three ring PAHs and four-ring PAHs are 84.44 ± 23.03% and 26.62 ± 43.76%, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of the heavy metals first increased by 6.00% due to oil spill degradation and release, and then decreased by 72.60% with the degradation of oil caused by bioremediation or vertical migration. According to the continuous tracking monitoring, the composition of the microbial community in the restored area was similar to that in the control area and the clean area in Bohai Sea after 210 days of bioremediation. These results may provide some theoretical and scientific data to understand the degradation mechanism and assessing the ecological remediation efficiency for oil spills in open sea areas. • Removal efficiency of oil residue was higher than 60% after 210 days of bioremediation. • Heavy metal content first increased due to oil release, and then they were degraded. • Significant and satisfactory contamination bioremediation effects were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine units in new-born intertidal zone of the Yellow River estuary, China were examined for concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) in sediments and plants. Heavy metal levels in surface sediments were in the order of Zn > Pb ≈ Cr > Cu ≈ Ni and generally increased in a seaward direction except for Z6 ( Tamarix chinensis - Suaeda salsa zone) and Z7 ( S. salsa - T. chinensis zone) units. Significant differences in metal concentrations of the 9 units were observed in the profiles ( p < 0.01). Heavy metal levels in the shoots or roots of different plants decreased in the order of Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr and differed among plants or tissues. The roots at Z2 ( Calamagrostis pseudophragmites zone), Z3 ( Imperata cylindrical zone) and Z4 ( Phramites australis zone) units accumulated greater metals than shoots [TFs (translocation factors) < 1], while the shoots at Z1 ( Sparganium minimum - Potentilla supina zone), Z7 and Z8 ( S. salsa zone) units accumulated greater metals than roots (TFs > 1), implying that intertidal plants showed different pathways in metal accumulation and internal transportation. Except for Pb, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni in sediments were lower than the criteria of Class I recommended by the Environmental Quality Standard for Soils of China. Although heavy metal levels in intertidal zone were generally the lowest (Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) or relatively moderate (Pb) compared with other estuaries or bays in Asia and Europe, high eco-toxic risk of Pb and Ni exposure still could be observed at Z4, Z6 and Z9 (mudflat zone) units. S. salsa was more suitable for the potential biomonitor or phytoremediation of all five heavy metals if intertidal sediments was seriously contaminated with increasing of pollutants loading in the Yellow River estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenanthrene (PHE) degrading bacterium strain BZ-3 was isolated from the crude oil contaminated soil in Binzhou, China. The isolate was identified as Pseudomonas sp. BZ-3 on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence. Various experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of pH, salinity and PHE concentration on the degradation efficiency of PHE. The degradation efficiency and degradation metabolites of PHE were detected by using GC–MS and HPLC-MS analyses. The strain BZ-3 could degrade 75% of PHE at an initial concentration of 50 mg/L under 20 g/L salinity in 7 days. PHE degradation kinetics was estimated in a first-order degradation rate model and the rate coefficient was calculated as 0.108 d −1 . On the basis of the identified degradation metabolites, the strain BZ-3 could degrade PHE in the salicylate metabolic pathway. In a mixture system consisting of PHE and other PAHs including naphthalene (NA), anthracene (ANTH), and pyrene (PYR), the strain BZ-3 showed an efficiently degradation capability. Further study showed that the strain BZ-3 could also use NA, ANTH, PYR, xylene, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, and hexane as the sole carbon and energy source, but did not grow on nitrobenzene-containing medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioremediation, mainly by indigenous bacteria, has been regarded as an effective way to clean up oil pollution after an oil spill. In order to obtain a systematic understanding of the succession of bacterial communities associated with oil bioremediation, sediments collected from the Penglai 19-3 oil platform were co-incubated with crude oil. Oil biodegradation was assessed on the basis of changes in oil composition monitored by GC–MS. Changes in the bacterial community structure were detected by two 16S rRNA gene based culture-independent methods, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone library. The results suggested that crude oil was rapidly degraded during the 30-day bioremediation period. Bacteria affiliated with the genus Pseudomonas dominated all three clone libraries. But dramatic changes were also detected in the process of biodegradation of crude oil. The “professional hydrocarbonocastic bacteria” (e.g., Alcanivorax) became abundant in the two samples during the bioremediation period. Meanwhile, δ-proteobacteria was only detected in the two samples. Information on the bacterial community revealed in this study will be useful in developing strategies for bioremediation of crude oil dispersed in the marine ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]