Diversity of bacteria and fungi associated with tarballs: Recent developments and future prospects

Tarballs are formed by weathering of crude oil in marine environment. They are transported from open ocean to the shores by sea currents and waves. Tarball pollution is a major concern to global marine ecosystem. Microbes such as bacteria and fungi are known to be associated with tarballs. They presumably play an important role in tarball degradation and some are potential human and animal pathogens. This paper highlights the recent studies on tarball-associated bacteria and fungi. Future perspectives on diversity, ecology and possible applications of tarball-associated microbes in bioremediation of beached tarballs have been discussed.