The metabolism of Archaeoglobus and other anaerobic microorganisms is capable of breaking down hydrocarbons in crude oil.

“Both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms tend to colonise oil pipelines and oil and fuel storage installations. Complex microbial communities consisting of both hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms and bacteria using the metabolites of the former form an ecological niche where they thrive.” (Yemashova et al. 2007:315)

Last Updated August 18, 2016