Comparison of the Oil Biodegradative Capacity of Selected Microbial Strains

Abstract

The oil biodegradative activities of four microbial strains were studied. These microbes were inoculated in test tube microcosms simulating marine oil spills. The test tube microcosms were set-up at different oil-inoculum ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1). Microbial growth, pH of media, and presence of carboxylic acids were monitored. The percent oil conversions (% O.C.) were computed and selected oil samples were subjected to gas chromatography. Subsequent identification revealed the microorganisms to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp., Corynebacterium sp., and Aspergillus sp. Based on the results, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found out to have the highest oil biodegradative activity and the 1:2 oil inoculum ratio promoted the highest oil biodegradative activity for the microorganisms.