Biodegradation studies of hydrocarbons in soils by analyzing metabolites formed.

Microbial degradation of diesel fuel and lubricating oil was studied in artificial soils. Soon after 1 week and until the end of the study (25 weeks) organic acids and ketones which were not original components of the oils contaminating the soil samples were identified. Predominantly alicyclic and branched-chain aliphatic organic acids as well as diacids and aromatic ketones were formed by degradation. Further degradation of these alicyclic acids was observed. Similar oxidized products were also identified in actual contaminated soils.