Temperature plays a significant role in controlling the
nature and the extent of microbial hydrocarbon metabolism,
which is of special significance for in situ bioremediation.
Bioavailability and solubility of less soluble hydrophobic
substances, such as aliphatic and polyaromatic
hydrocarbons, are temperature dependent. A temperature
increase (decrease) effects a decrease (increase) in viscosity,
thereby affecting the degree of distribution, and
an increase (decrease) in diffusion rates of organic compounds.
Therefore, higher reaction rates due to smaller
boundary layers are expected at elevated temperatures.
The increased (decreased) volatilization and solubility of
some hydrocarbons at elevated (low) temperature affects