what are some benefits and risks associated with using bacteria to clean up oil spills?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "bacteria 'oil spills'" to get these possible sources:
http://www.tierramerica.net/2003/1215/iarticulo.shtml
http://www.offshore-environment.com/oil.html
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,66017-0.html
(Broken Link Removed)
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Bacteria-Eating-Up-Oil-Spills-and-Producing-Biodegradable-Plastic-18787.shtml
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.