Degradation of crude oil using the indigenous isolate Bacillus sp SEA18

Abstract

Hydrocarbon contamination in the environment today is gaining more importance as they are carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Methods to degrade these hydrocarbons are rightfully demanding and researchers are on a lookout for new and indigenous species as they are sustained in that niche by utilizing the resources available. Because of the capabilities exhibited by bacteria in environmental remediation, this study, focuses on isolating an indigenous bacterium from oil-contaminated site and evaluate its potential in degrading oils. The isolate obtained was identified as Bacillus sp and was found to show the degradation of crude oil to an extent of 80% after 60 days of incubation. The analysis was confirmed by GC-MS analysis that showed a significant reduction in the number of hydrocarbons. This capability of this bacterium to produce biosurfactants promises this species to play a role in degradation as biosurfactants would enhance the degradation process. This study, therefore, reinforces the fact that indigenous species are potential hydrocarbon degraders due to their adaptability and endurance.