CONTRIBUTIONS TO EVALUATION OF THE BIODEGRADABILITY BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER AND OTHER FUNGI’S OF SOME INSULATING OILS

Abstract

Mineral insulating oils used in electrical equipment because of their toxic organic substances and xenobiotic, represents a major risk to the environment - to accidental spills pollute soil, groundwater and surface water. By microbiological tests were evaluated the biodegradability of some insulating oils used in electrical equipment. The assays were performed in comparison with edible sunflower oil and with a control sample (culture medium - without oil). The experimental results indicate that the mineral oils are more readily biodegradable than synthetic ester oil and vegetable oils. It was also found that oils with high sulfur content are more readily biodegradable.

Keywords

• insulating oils
• mineral oils
• synthetic esters
• vegetal oils
• biodegradability
• molds