Oil eating bacteria used to clean-up oil slicks in oceanic waters

Options

A. Salmonella
B. Escherichia coil
C. Pseudomonas putida
D. Shigella dysenteriae

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Problem:**
The question asks us to identify which bacteria are capable of cleaning up oil spills in oceanic waters. Oil spills can severely impact marine life by blocking sunlight and disrupting photosynthesis.

2. **Identifying the Impact of Oil Spills:**
When oil spills occur, they spread across the water surface, preventing sunlight from penetrating. This affects aquatic plants and organisms, leading to a decline in oxygen levels and overall degradation of aquatic life.

3. **Role of Oil-Eating Bacteria:**
Certain bacteria have the natural ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons found in oil. They break down these compounds into smaller, less harmful particles, thus aiding in the cleanup process.

4. **Evaluating the Options:**
We have four options to consider:
- **A. Salmonella:** This is a pathogenic bacterium that causes typhoid fever and does not degrade oil.
- **B. Escherichia coli (E. coli):** While some strains are beneficial, this bacterium is primarily associated with the intestines and is not known for oil degradation.
- **C. Pseudomonas putida:** This is a well-known oil-eating bacterium that can degrade various hydrocarbons, making it a suitable candidate for oil spill cleanup.
- **D. Shigella dysenteriae:** This bacterium causes dysentery and is not involved in oil degradation.

5. **Conclusion:**
Based on the evaluation of the options, the correct answer is **C. Pseudomonas putida**, as it is the bacterium that effectively degrades oil in oceanic waters.

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