Biodestruction of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Biodegradation of light and high-viscosity oils by hydrocarbon-oxidizing microflora has been studied. Microflora was isolated from the formation waters recovered from West Siberian and “White Tiger” (Vietnam) oil fields. To activate microorganisms one used the solution of IKhN-KA system containing a multi-component nitrogenous nutrient substrate. Under the condition of active development of microorganisms during 5 days of biodegradation the concentration of n-alkanes C10-C32 in light oils decreased by 70-85% and that of viscous oil – by 86-93%. Destruction of mono-aromatic compounds accounted for 55-65 % and that of aromatic compounds of naphthalene series – 70-90 %. The content of methyl- and trimethyl phenanthrenes decreased 3 times. Therefore a degree of oil destruction depends on nutrient substrates, which stimulate biochemical processes of vital activity.