Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 7. MCE Science. Workbook - Unit 5: Food Chains and Food Webs - Question 15

Oil is an organic material. It was formed millions of years ago from the remains of dead organisms. Today, oil spills in oceans are a big problem as they harm marine life in ocean ecosystems. The spills need to be cleaned up quickly. One way to do this is to use bacteria that “eat” the oil.

How are “oil-eating” bacteria that decompose the oil able to clear up oil spills? Think about the processes involved.