Hydrophobicity effect on oil degradation by two marine bacterial strains Alcanivorax borkumensis and Thalassolituus oleivorans

Variations on hydrophobicity were monitored in two marine obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria: Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2T and Thalassolituus oleivoras MIL-1T. These strains were inoculated, separately in ONR7a mineral medium with different concentration of sodium acetate. During 10 days measurements of cellular abundance and cellular hydrophobicity (capacity to adhere at polystyrene) were carried out. Data obtained revealed that the natures of carbon source and growth phase are important factors in the regulation of adhesion of bacteria to the surfaces. Moreover Alcanivorax showed a major capability to colonize polystyrene respect on Thalassolituus in the experimented conditions. The understanding of capacity to adhesion of these bacteria for utilization of hydrophobic compounds is fundamental for their potential use in the mitigation of oil spills phenomenon.