Microcapsules and Method for Degrading Hydrocarbons

Abstract

A microcapsule for use in degrading a hydrocarbon comprising a core material, a coating material, and at least one microorganism capable of degrading said hydrocarbon, said core material comprising a lipophilic material containing nutrients necessary for the sustenance of said microorganism, said coating material being water-insoluble, and said capsule having a density such that said microcapsule is kept in close proximity to said hydrocarbon to be degraded whens said microcapsule is applied thereto; and the method of using the microcapsule to degrade hydrocarbons.

Patent Number
5,348,803
Date Of Issue
Inventors

James R. Scott; Mary C. Marshall; Matthew L. Alexander; Michael G. MacNaughton; H. Wade Schlameus