The most probable number (MPN) of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms found in the coastal waters at Port Keland, Port Dickson, Kual Selangor, Malacca and Kuala Trengganu were 451, 513, 1163, 1388 and 148 cells/100 ml respectively. The results indicated that population of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in the Straits of Malacca were 3-10 times higher than that found in Kual Trengganu (South China Sea). A significant level of the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms was also detected in the sediment of the Kelang estuary. These microorganisms were active in oil degrading and may play an important role in degrading oily substances brought down from Kelang River. The studies of the biodegradation of crude oil and selected paraffin hydrocarbons in the above coastal waters indicated that the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms present in Malaysian coastal waters have high ability in utilizing hydrocarbons

Samples were analysed in the laboratory in accordance with the Ministry of Public Health Standard System to test bacteria in drinking water. The results of testing the total of 247 samples of ice and water collected indicated that 13 samples (or 5.3 percent) of the total met the standards of drinking water, but from the 163 collected ice samples, only two samples (or 1.2 percent) of the samples met the standards. 27 samples (16.6%) of ice collected were found to contain E. coli bacteria. No patho enteric bacteria were found in the analysis of all treated water and ice. In the pre-treated water, the analyst found Salmonella paratyphi bacteria. In conclusion, raw water, treated water and ice from the factories, sales agents and shops are considered to fall below the standards level. This is due to sanitation problems of the surrounding conditions of the factories such as water sources, transportation, grinding, storage and hygienic care of the personnel who come in contact with ice. The practice of personnel in handling these products still does not conform to hygienic rules

Soil microorganisms may take up heavy metal ions from the surrounding chemical environment, store them and return them to the soil in a mobile form. Microbial degradation of organic substances leads to the liberation of heavy metals, which in turn can interfere with mineralisation processes. The influences of soil microorganisms on inorganic phase equilibria are presented and discussed.

Soil microorganisms may take up heavy metal ions from the surrounding chemical environment, store them and return them to the soil in a mobile form. Microbial degradation of organic substances leads to the liberation of heavy metals, which in turn can interfere with mineralisation processes. The influences of soil microorganisms on inorganic phase equilibria are presented and discussed.