Petroleum Microbiology MCB 418 3 Credits

Biogenesis of fossil fuels with emphasis on the role of microorganisms.

Petroleum prospecting and secondary recovery. Microbial corrosion of pipes and equipment. Effects of oil spill on microbial activities in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.(Niger Delta region: Case study)Biodeterioration and biotransformation of hydrocarbons.

INTRODUCTION

• Chemistry of Petroleum• Hydrocarbons in crude oil• Non hydrocarbons• Crude oil fractions• Classification of crude oil

The Theory of Biogenesis

• Belief in spontaneous generation• Macroscopic spontaneous generation• Microscopic generation• Pasteur’s Experimental equipment• Common Misconception• Microbes that eat petroleum• Fossil Fuels• Roles of microorganisms in the Biogenesis of

fossil fuel

PETROLEUM PROSPECTING AND SECONDARY OR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY

• Exploration methods• Elements of a petroleum prospect• Exploration risk• Terms used in petroleum evaluation• Licensing• Reserves and resources• a. Definition of oil reserves• b. Reserve booking

Microbial corrosion of pipes and equipment

• Corrosion of metals• Microorganism causing corrosion• Mechanism of Microbiologically Influenced

Corrosion (MIC)• Types of corrosion• Recognition of corrosion• Protection possibilities

Effects of oil spill on microbial activities in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.(Niger Delta region: Case study)

• Definition of oil pollution• Impacts of oil pollution in the Niger Delta• Bioremediation : A suitable option• Microbes that metabolize petroleum

hydrocarbons• Requirements for biodegradation of

petroleum• Approaches and techniques in Bioremediation

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CONCLUSION•Without microbes there would not be the oil industry

•Without microbes the mess of the oil industry can not be adequately handled

•Without the microbes the environment will not be preserved

•All microbiologists are partners with the microbes

•As partners, either in the oil industry or elsewhere let’s join hands to preserve this dear environment which is a borrowed asset for the generations to come.