Population and activity of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia

The most probable number (MPN) o f hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms found in the coastal waters at Port Kelang, Port Dickson, Kuala Selangor, Mclacca and Kuala Trengganu were 451, 513, 1163, 1388 and 148 cells/100 m l respectively. The results indicated that the population o f hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in the Straits o f Malacca were 3 -1 0 limes higher than that found in Kuala Trengganu (South China Sea). A significant level o f the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms was also detected in the sedim ent o f the Kelang estuary. These microorganisms were active in oil degrading and may play an important role in degrading oily substances brought down from Kelang River. The studies o f the biodegradation o f crude oil and selected paraffin hydrocarbons in the above coastal waters indicate that the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms present in Malaysian coastal waters have high ability in utilizing hydrocarbons