Summary
A blown bitumen Mexphalte R 90/40 with a high content of saturated hydrocarbons was degraded by several microorganisms to the same extent. In batch cultures ofSaccharomycopsis lipolytica, maximal biodegradation was estimated to be about 9% w/w, 3.2·10−3 g/cm2 and 3.1·10−3 cm of degraded bitumen. The Mexphalte R 90/40 degradation rate was closely coupled to biofilm formation. The microbial activity concerned predominantly the oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons. A direct distillation bitumen 80/100 with a low content of saturated hydrocarbons and a high content of aromatic hydrocarbons and resins was more resistant to biodegradation.
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Ait-Langomazino, N., Sellier, R., Jouquet, G. et al. Microbial degradation of bitumen. Experientia 47, 533–539 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01949873
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01949873