ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 15

Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Implications for Arson Residue Analysis
Dinan, AC
State Forensic Science,

Peddie, FL
School of Chemical Technology, University of South Australia,

Klass, G
School of Chemical Technology, University of South Australia,

Kirkbride, KP
State Forensic Science,

Pigou, PE
State Forensic Science,

Yap, SM
Honors Students, University of South Australia, School of Chemical Technology,

Andrews, S
School of Chemical Technology, University of South Australia,

(Received 5 March 1992; accepted 23 April 1992)

Abstract

The effects of selective microbial activity on hydrocarbon accelerants have been examined both in vitro and in simulated arson residues. Two groups of Pseudomonas species that assimilate components of common petroleum based accelerants have been found; one species metabolizes only aromatic hydrocarbons, the other only aliphatics. The kinetics of hydrocarbon metabolism are discussed and gas chromatographic profiles of two common accelerants that have been subjected to microbial attack are presented. Some implications and recommendations for arson investigation are discussed.

Keywords:
forensic science, microbial degradation, gasoline, accelerants, arson residues, pseudomonads, pseudomonas putida, pseudomonas biovarIII

Paper ID: JFS13349J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13349J
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