Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Study of microbial population and diversity in soil strategies of hydrocarbon contaminants

7^th World Congress on Microbiology

November 28-29, 2016 Valencia, Spain

Althalb Hakima and Elmusati Izzeddin

Libyan Petroleum Institute, Libya

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

A laboratory study was conducted as an attempt to investigate the performance of bioremediation approach of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil obtained from petrochemical industry. Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil was performed using the hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. Hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms were isolated and identified from contaminated soil samples. Initial screening results of eleven isolates capable of growing on n-hexadecane five most promising isolates were selected for further testing for biosurfactant production and emulsification activity. They were identified as Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas species, Betaproteobacterium, Actinomyces species and Bacillus species. Cluster analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolated bacterial species revealed 90% similarity amongst hydrocarbon degrading bacterial community. Emulsifying capacity was evaluated using the E24 emulsification index. The isolated species exhibited high emulsification activity. Among the five species tested, Pseudomonas putida showed superior performance in terms of growth on hydrocarbons, emulsifying activity and ability to transform hydrocarbons. E24 emulsification activity recorded maximum value after 48 hours of incubation (E24=86%, E24=61%) Pseudomonas putida and E24=66% with Bacillus species. Interestingly, the gas chromatographic analysis of crude oil treated with P. putida showed a decrease in heavy hydrocarbon fractions demonstrating a clear potential for this species to be used as a soil inoculants in bioremediation processes.

Biography :

Althalb Hakima is an Assistant Professor at the Libyan Petroleum Institute, Libya.

Email: Althalb798@yahoo.com