Petroleum degradation products are the compounds that result from the breakdown or degradation of petroleum, which is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. Petroleum degradation can occur naturally through the action of microorganisms, or it can be facilitated through bioremediation techniques.

When petroleum is degraded, it is broken down into simpler compounds, such as alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as other organic compounds like alcohols, organic acids, and esters. These degradation products can be further broken down into simpler compounds, which can then be utilized as a carbon source by microorganisms.

The exact composition of petroleum degradation products can vary depending on a range of factors, including the type of petroleum being degraded, the environmental conditions, and the microorganisms involved in the degradation process. For example, hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria like Alcanivorax borkumensis are known to specialize in breaking down long-chain hydrocarbons, which can result in the formation of shorter-chain hydrocarbons and other organic compounds.

Petroleum degradation products can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the environment. On the one hand, the breakdown of petroleum can help to reduce the amount of hydrocarbon pollutants in the environment, which can improve water and soil quality. On the other hand, some degradation products can be toxic to aquatic and terrestrial organisms and can have negative impacts on ecosystem health.