Changes

by Mohammed Y. Aljezan, Saudi Aramco

by Mohammed Y. Aljezan, Saudi Aramco

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Crude oil is a complex mixture containing tens of thousands of compounds mixed together and the major part are hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons (HCs) are defined as compounds that only contain carbon and hydrogen without any functional groups.  This gives them stability and low reactivity. Under the right conditions, living organisms such as bacteria, algae or fungi are able to consume hydrocarbons as an energy source.  The process is called hydrocarbon biodegradation. Hydrocarbon biodegradation by living organisms is a well-known alteration process and the majority of crude oils in the world are biodegraded to different degrees [1]. The degree of hydrocarbon biodegradation is dependent on many factors including salinity, hydrocarbon composition, temperature, pH, pressure and moisture.   

Crude oil is a complex mixture containing tens of thousands of compounds mixed together and the major part are hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons (HCs) are defined as compounds that only contain carbon and hydrogen without any functional groups.  This gives them stability and low reactivity. Under the right conditions, living organisms such as bacteria, algae or fungi are able to consume hydrocarbons as an energy source.  The process is called hydrocarbon biodegradation. Hydrocarbon biodegradation by living organisms is a well-known alteration process and the majority of crude oils in the world are biodegraded to different degrees [1]. The degree of hydrocarbon biodegradation is dependent on many factors including salinity, hydrocarbon composition, temperature, pH, pressure and moisture.