Potential of Microbes Isolated from Crude Oil-Contaminated Environments for Long-Chain Hydrocarbon Degradation in Oil Refineries

Abstract

Microorganisms were isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil and screened based on their cell surface hydrophobicity (BATH), emulsification activity (E24), and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation capability through GC-MS analysis. The selected superior strains were formulated into a microbial consortium and tested for their effectiveness at the laboratory scale using a Soil Bioremediation Tank (SBT). Environmental parameters and hydrocarbon degradation rates were monitored and analyzed using first-order kinetic and Monod models. A total of 25 isolates were obtained, five of which exhibited high emulsification activity (E24 > 70%) and a hydrophobicity index greater than 40%. The formulated consortium demonstrated a TPH degradation efficiency of up to 78% within 30 days. GC-MS analysis revealed a significant reduction in long-chain aliphatic and aromatic compounds. The explored microbial consortium proved effective in degrading long-chain hydrocarbons in petroleum waste, indicating strong potential as a bioremediation agent. These findings support the development of microorganism-based bioremediation technologies for the sustainable management of petroleum waste.