FIG 5.

Strain-specific responses of growth, biodegradation potential, and toxicity as determined by an EPA-approved rotifer assay. Both bacterial strains tested were shown to grow with Corexit as the sole carbon and energy source, and no effect of bacterial transformation was observed on the toxicity of Corexit. Crude oil supported the growth of both bacterial strains, but the extents of biodegradation and their linkage to toxicity showed large variation between the strains. Although both strains showed similar rates of growth, degradation potentials, and linkages to toxicity, each strain responded uniquely to dispersed oil versus crude oil.