A number of limiting factors have been recognized to
affect the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons,
many of which have been discussed by Brusseau [53]. The
composition and inherent biodegradability of the petroleum
hydrocarbon pollutant is the first and foremost important
consideration when the suitability of a remediation approach
is to be assessed. Among physical factors, temperature plays
an important role in biodegradation of hydrocarbons by
directly affecting the chemistry of the pollutants as well as
affecting the physiology and diversity of the microbial flora.
Atlas [54] found that at low temperatures, the viscosity of the
oil increased, while the volatility of the toxic low molecular
weight hydrocarbons were reduced, delaying the onset of
biodegradation.