What kinds of microorganisms can degrade oil? How do scientists prioritize ecosystems for bioremediation after an oil spill? Joel Kostka discusses his research and the lessons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that will help scientists be better prepared for oil spills of the future.

Links for this Episode:

• Joel Kostka Lab Website
• Kostka J. et al. Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria and the Bacterial Community Response in Gulf of Mexico Beach Sands Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2011.
• Shin B. et al. Succession of Microbial Populations and Nitroget-Fixation Associated With the Biodegradation of Sediment-Oil-Agglomerates Buried in a Florida Sandy Beach. Scientific Reports. 2019.
• Bociu I. Decomposition of Sediment-Oil-Agglomerates in a Gulf of Mexico Sandy Beach. Scientific Reports. 2019.
• Overhold W.A. et al. Draft Genome Sequences for Oil-Degrading Bacterial Strains from Beach Sands Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Genome Announcements. 2013.
• Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative
• ASM Colloquia Report: Microbial Genomics of the Global Ocean System
• ASM Article: Microbiomes: An Origin Story
• Joyful Microbe Blog: How to make a Winogradsky column Small Things Considered: How to Build a Giant Winogradsky Column
• 20% off The Invisible ABCs for MTM listeners! Use promo code: ABC20 at checkout.