Remediation of hydrocarbons and metals by hydrocarbon utilizing Pseudomonas taiwanensis YSA‐17 isolated from soil contaminated with petroleum

Abstract

Careless handling of petroleum in petrochemical industries releases toxic hydrocarbons and metals to soil and water. The aim of the present study was to isolate hydrocarbon‐utilizing and metal‐tolerant bacteria. Hydrocarbon‐utilizing bacteria from petroleum‐contaminated soils were isolated on the Bushnell Hass medium. Hydrocarbon degradation by Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain YSA‐17 was observed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bioaccumulation of metals by strain YSA‐17 was assessed in nutrient broth. Among different strains, YSA‐17 showed the highest potential for hydrocarbon utilization. After 20 days of incubation, YSA‐17 completely degraded one compound and during its degradation, there was the formation of 13 new compounds which were absent in uninoculated control. Results of scanning electron microscope and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) indicated degradation of hydrocarbons. FTIR showed the formation of new functional groups in YSA‐17 inoculated medium. Expression of the total quantity of hydrocarbon‐degrading gene (AlkB and NehAc) in petroleum‐amended nutrient broth inoculated with strain YSA‐17 enhanced significantly during 20 days of incubation compared to control. YSA‐17 also significantly removed metals. This study concluded that bioinoculant can be utilized for the bioremediation of pollutants cocontaminated with hydrocarbons and metals. Petroleum‐contaminated soil will be remediated for pollutants.