Draft Genome Sequence of AS2, a Heavy Crude Oil-Degrading and Biosurfactant-Producing Bacterium Isolated from a Soil Sample.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of AS2 that was isolated from heavy crude oil-contaminated soil samples from sludge pits of an Omani heavy-oil field. AS2 was able to biodegrade heavy crude oil and produce biosurfactant. In order to provide a better understanding of the biodegradation mechanism and biosynthesis of metabolites, the AS2 genome was sequenced and compared to those of other strains.

Microbial enhanced heavy crude oil recovery through biodegradation using bacterial isolates from an Omani oil field.

Background: Biodegradation is a cheap and environmentally friendly process that could breakdown and utilizes heavy crude oil (HCO) resources. Numerous bacteria are able to grow using hydrocarbons as a carbon source; however, bacteria that are able to grow using HCO hydrocarbons are limited. In this study, HCO degrading bacteria were isolated from an Omani heavy crude oil field.