Results in Chemistry (Dec 2023)

Biossurfactant production by isolated bacteria from petroleum industry’s effluent targeting bioremediation

  • Katiany do Vale Vale,
  • Darlane Wellen Freitas Soares,
  • Ana Luiza Beserra da Silva,
  • Flavia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva Abreu,
  • João Lucas Isidio de Oliveira Almeida,
  • Maria Roniele Félix Oliveira,
  • Liange Reck,
  • Vânia Maria Maciel Melo,
  • Daniela Ribeiro Alves,
  • Carlucio Roberto Alves

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6
p. 101038

Abstract

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In this study, bacterial strains from the Bacillus genus were isolated from residual effluents from treatment unit of a Petroleum Factory to produce a biosurfactant, aiming the bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils. Five strains were selected to perform fermentation tests. Results showed that the strain LUB P1 presented a lipopeptide with excellent properties, which reduced the surface tension to rates below 30 mN/m. The bacteria were genetically identified as a species belonging to the Bacillus subtilis. Characterization of the biosurfactant confirmed that the main component is surfactin, with a critical micellar concentration (CMC) value of 15 mg.L−1 and high stability to temperature, salinity, and pH variations. In addition, showed low toxicity compared to synthetic surfactants. Bioremediation tests indicated motor oil removal efficiency of over 80% on the temperature of 60 °C in its CMC, presenting excellent properties for the application in bioremediation.

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