In nature, Alcanivorax Borkumensis lives in the ocean, where it degrades the hydrocarbons in crude oil into carbon dioxide and water. Due to low temperatures in the ocean, and a lack of large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen salt, the degradation happens quite slowly. Scientists are now developing different strains of oil eating bacteria that function better in cold temperatures and depend less on phosphorus and nitrogen.

     The bacteria can be used effectively to clean up oil spills. It was a major part of the cleaning of the Exxon-Valdez spill. Scientists have completely mapped its genetics in the hope that they will be able to create a simpler version of the bacterium. This ideal oil cleaning bacterium would convert the crude oil to water and carbon dioxide, and be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures (A. Borkumensis functions best at only 20-30 degrees C) and enviroments.