Microorganisms play an important role in the formation, recovery, and uses of petroleum. Petroleum is broadly considered to encompass both oil and natural gas. The microorganisms of concern include bacteria and fungi.

Much of the experimental underpinnings of petroleum microbiology are a result of the pioneering work of Claude ZoBell. Beginning in the 1930s and extending through the late 1970s, ZoBell's research established that bacteria are important in a number of petroleum related processes.

Bacterial degradation can consume organic compounds in the ground, which is a prerequisite to the formation of petroleum.

Some bacteria can be used to improve the recovery of petroleum. For example, experiments have shown that starved bacteria, which become very small, can be pumped down into an oilfield, and then resuscitated. The resuscitated bacteria plug up the very porous areas of the oilfield. When water is subsequently pumped down into the field...