Biotechnological Potential of Oil-Tolerant Strains for Possible Use in Bioremediation

Barbara Bertović, Monika Šabić Runjavec (), Nolla Todorović, Ivan Zgrebec and Marija Vuković Domanovac
Additional contact information
Barbara Bertović: STSI—Integrirani Tehnički Servisi d.o.o., Lovinčićeva 4, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
Monika Šabić Runjavec: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Trg Marka Marulića 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nolla Todorović: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Trg Marka Marulića 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Zgrebec: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Trg Marka Marulića 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Vuković Domanovac: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Trg Marka Marulića 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: The release of oil into the environment represents a pervasive problem stemming from oil exploration, accidents, transportation and releases from landfills, storage facilities or industrial plants. Compared to conventional and costly techniques, bioremediation is an attractive and promising alternative, as it can selectively degrade pollution without affecting the natural features of the site and the flora and fauna living there. In this study, the isolation, identification and characterization of autochthonous bacterial strains from a crude oil-contaminated soil sample was carried out under batch conditions over a period of 28 days. The initial colony forming units value for bacteria was 1.15 × 10 9 /g of soil. The results show that the activity of bacteria was highest at a pH of 7.25. Based on morphology, biochemical tests and an analysis of MALDI TOF, isolated autochthonous bacterial species were identified as Bacillus megaterium , Bacillus licheniformis , Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas chlororaphis . Since allochthonous bacteria are not highly efficient in a new environment due to their low adaptability and competition with indigenous microorganisms, these autochthonous microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing the bioremediation process on an applicable, industrial scale. This advancement aligns with the principles of sustainable development and the green economy, as purified soil is suitable for rational reuse in the environment.

Keywords: bioremediation; oil-contaminated soil; hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria; Bacillus; Pseudomonas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/2/563/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/2/563/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:563-:d:1315719

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().