Biodegradation efficiencies of Low Pour Fuel Oil by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis isolates

Abstract

This study explored the efficiencies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis isolates in the degradation of a derivative of crude oil, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), commonly known as Black oil. The comparison was carried out on the effects of nutrient stimulation on the degradation of LPFO by the selected organisms. After a 14-day treatment, correlational analysis of the biodegradation test showed a significant solid correlation between organisms and different treatments at p<0.01. There was an increase in the counts of B. licheniformis and P. aeruginosa during the degradation process. The susceptibility of the hydrocarbon compounds to microbial degradation varied with the type and size of the hydrocarbon molecules. Alkanes of intermediate chain length (C10–C24) were degraded rapidly compared to long-chain alkanes (C20–C34). There was a significant increase in degradation when the LPFO was inoculated with B. licheniformis and P. aeruginosa, while there was no significant effect of nutrient amendment on the hydrocarbon degradation compared to treatments with individual microorganisms alone. The average Degradation Efficiency was 99.9%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis isolates were influential in the degradation of LPFO and can be employed in the remediation of contaminated soil. Keywords: biodegradation, bio-stimulation, biotechnology, hydrocarbon, low-pour fuel oil.