Biodegradability of selected oils using biosurfactant producing microorganisms

The purpose of this research was to determine the abilities of two different biosurfactant producing microorganisms in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons from two selected oils. To achieve this, a suitable protocol was designed during the preliminary experiments. Batch experiments were conducted in 10 ml culture tubes with biomass of each type of culture that had been enriched for the oils used.; During each experiment, simultaneous determinations of petroleum hydrocarbon removal and biomass growth were made over time. Percentage degradation values at the end of each sampling period were obtained by comparing the TPH values from test systems with the values from control systems. Both the mixed cultures initiated emulsification after a 24 hr period.; Maximum growth and degradation was observed with Seal Beach Mix organisms with both the oils at both concentrations. This was most likely the result of the culture diversity of this mixture. In all cases growth and degradation were correlated. An initial lag phase was observed in all sets with the higher concentrations of oils.