Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a project with oil eating bacteria and its effectiveness. I need to know the limitations of the bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis. Is it a pathogen? Can it thrive in freshwater?

Hi!

Alcanivorax borkumensis has the following limitations: loves salty environments with oil present, requires oxygen to gain energy, can't consume sugars and proteins, eat alkanes allowing them to be in oil environments, and is not a pathogen.

Hope this helps! Good luck on your project and let us know if you have any more questions!