New microbe discovered eating oil spill in Gulf

AP ^ | August 24, 2010 | RANDOLPH E. SCHMID,

[george76]

A newly discovered type of oil-eating microbe is suddenly flourishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

And the microbe works without significantly depleting oxygen in the water, researchers led by Terry Hazen at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ... the bacteria may have adapted over time due to periodic leaks and natural seeps of oil in the Gulf.

[george76]

Deep-Sea Oil Plume Enriches Indigenous Oil-Degrading Bacteria.

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/science.1195979

[abb]

OH!! MY!! GOD!!
WE ARE DOOOOOMED!!!
oh wait. wrong thread.

[edcoil]

We have been putting “bus” is lease restorations for years and years. Nothing new here.

Oil eating bacteria are found around guess what - oil.

[newheart]

[Sacajaweau]

But...But....the govrnment scientists know everything already...how can these be new bugs.

Ohhhh...Caused by global warming....I see...

[Blueflag]

The various bacteria than CAN digest oil are likely able to metabolize a wide array of hydrocarbons.

I guess this ‘discovery’ was “unexpected” just like all the jobs, economic and weather news as well ...

[colorado tanker]

Well that's interesting. Last week, in the article plastered all over the front pages and featured in the MSM scientists claimed a 25 mile "plume" (that can't be seen with the naked eye or noticed when swimming through it) that was NOT being consumed by bacteria.

Guess my bravo sierra detector was right again.

[Sacajaweau]

They’ve been using bugs to clean up gas station “deposits” in our area....for years.

[Spok]

“researchers led by Terry Hazen at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory”

Before buying into this finding lock, stock and barrel, I’d like to know the political leanings of the authors of the study, then look for peer review. Given what’s been done to science by political pressure and agendas, absolutely nothing can be taken any longer at face value.

[Sacajaweau]

Natural seeps...oh no...can’t be....Only man makes oil leak...

[george76]

microbial activity, spearheaded by a new and unclassified species, degrades oil much faster than anticipated. This degradation appears to take place without a significant level of oxygen depletion.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/dbnl-ssd082310.php

The enemedia will not be happy

[lonevoice]

Nature is wondrously wrought.

[Red Badger]

If this is a NEW species, and it eats oil, then if we cut off it’s food supply it will die.

Therefore we must use the Endangered Species Act to preserve this IMPORTANT BIOLOGICAL NICHE for future generations..........

IOW, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!!!>...........

[jonascord]

Does this mean we can't keep the well capped, because the microbes will go extinct without a food source?

What a marvelous joke it would be to sneak them onto the next "Endangered Species" list...

[bigbob]

Breaking News: Attorney General Eric Holder has filed suit in federal court against the microbes for not having secured the proper licenses and permits before consuming the oil.

[CrazyIvan]

They’ve been using bugs to clean up gas station “deposits” in our area....for years.

Anyone who has ever stored their own diesel knows it's hard
to keep the bacteria out of it.

[Mr. K]

hee hee hee... good one!!!

[FormerACLUmember]

Nature is far smarter than Al Gore.

Hell, my dog Charlie the Beagle is far smarter than Al Gore.

[Pecos]

I understand that there is a bacteria that can be found in jet fuel tanks. This must be it’s cruder cousin.