Nocardia corallina (Rhodococcus corallinus) Applicability for Bioremediation of Petroleum Wastes in Soil

Oil exploration, drilling, refining, and transport have the potential to release petroleum pollutants into water and soil. There is a natural but slow remediation from the action of microorganisms. In this minireview I propose, and support with evidence, that Nocardia corallina (currently Rhodococcus corallinus) should be investigated for solutions to remediation of accidental releases of crude petroleum and petroleum-derived chemicals. Many Nocardia species are found in soil and water and are recognized for their abilities to degrade complex organic compounds including hydrocarbons found in petroleum. Specifically, Nocardia corallina, an indigenous soil microbe, is a naturally transconjugant organism with combined potential for hydrocarbon utilization and heavy metal resistance. Thus, its utilization would not require molecular redesigning for this application. I am not aware of any reports that Nocardia corallina is a human pathogen; however, the Nocardia genus does contain human pathogens. The evidence for applying Nocardia corallina for remediation of petroleum spills is commanding and artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to design specific laboratory and field research to assure efficacy and safety.