NOVELTY - An absorbent device comprises a core (A) containing microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons and has a mechanism for controlled release of the microbes, and a matrix (B) of highly absorbent material in juxtaposition to the core. The hydrocarbons are absorbed and accumulated into matrix for controlled reduction by the microbes into a more benign material and to avoid environmental pollution.    USE - As bilge or sump oil absorber for absorption, retention, and bioremediation of hydrocarbons to avoid pollution resulting from marine oil and fuel spills.    ADVANTAGE - The high absorbency device absorbs large quantities of hydrocarbons for controlled bioremediation over time. Large amounts of hydrocarbons may be extracted as from an external spill and stored for breakdown in a controlled sequence over a period of time. After remediation has progressed within the device biologically active material may escape so as to further treat remaining external hydrocarbons thus further protecting the environment from hydrocarbon pollution. High absorbency characteristics of the products like polypropylene facilitates a timed release bacteria, specific to degrading hydrocarbons. Highly absorptive forms of recycled cellulose is 90% as efficient as melt blown polypropylene for absorbing hydrocarbon and would allow the entire device to biodegrade in a landfill. Control and bioremediation of largest spills on land and water, is achieved using the device. Contamination resulting from untoward release or undesired accumulation of petroleum based hydrocarbons is absorbed, entrapped in large volume and bioremediated, in situ, by combination of high absorbency cellulose or metal blown polypropylene with a controlled or timed release bacterial source, reacting with the hydrocarbons to render them into material of reduced toxicity.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An absorbent device comprises a core and a matrix. The core contains microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons and has a mechanism for controlled release of the microbes. The matrix of highly absorbent material is in juxtaposition to the core. The matrix includes hydrophobic, oleophilic material storing an accumulation of hydrocarbons from an external source and wicking hydrocarbons from the accumulation into contact with microbes from core for controlled degradation. The hydrocarbons are absorbed and accumulated into the matrix for controlled reduction by the action of the microbes into a more benign material thereby avoiding environmental pollution.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for method of absorbing hydrocarbons for containment and bioremediation. The method involves positioning the core, placing the matrix in juxtaposition with the core, absorbing and storing an accumulation of hydrocarbon from an external source in the matrix, wicking hydrocarbons from the accumulation of hydrocarbons into contact with the material from the core, and contacting the microbes with the accumulation of hydrocarbons for controlled degradation.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic perspective view of a bilage absorber.    Core (A)    Matrix (B)