Selection of Microbes and Conditions that Induced Bio-Cracking of Branched Hydrocarbon Squalane

Biological oil hydrocarbons degradation is a complicated process, influenced by hydrocarbons properties, microorganisms and environmental conditions. The aim of this work was to select microbial strain, capable of degrading heavy branched hydrocarbons for further application in environment remediation and bio-cracking. Also, it was necessary to select optimal conditions (temperature, pH, concentration and etc.) for selected microbial strain degrading heavy branched hydrocarbons. Since crude oil and its products are mixtures of various hydrocarbons, at the first step of selection the ability of the strains to degrade individual hydrocarbons was investigated. Squalane was used as a test substrate. 10 microbial cultures belonging to genus Arthrobacter and obtained from culture collection of JSC “Biocentras” were used for the investigations. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that Arthrobacter sp NJ5 strain had the highest effectiveness (67%) in degradation of heavy branched oil hydrocarbon (Squalane) to shorter chain intermediates. So, Arthrobacter sp NJ5 could be applied in bio-cracking. For the application in industry, more detailed analyses are needed

Effects of Temperature, Substrate Concentration and pH on the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pyrene Biodegradation by Arthrobacter sp. NJ5 Strain

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely distributed in the environment and may persist for extended periods of time. PAHs are one of the most important classes of persistent organic contaminants. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (compounds containing four or more fused benzene rings) are generally recalcitrant to microbial attack. Until recently, only a few genera of bacteria have been isolated with the ability to utilize four-ring PAHs as sole carbon and energy sources. Because of the toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic characteristics of some, PAHs have been studied extensively by many scientists around the word. This paper presents research results, where 10 microbial strains belonging to genus Arthrobacter sp. and obtained from culture collection of JSC "Biocentras"were tested for the best biodegradation of HMW PAH pyrene. Pyrene degradation experiments were conducted in liquid mineral medium. Pyrene concentration was 0. 2 mg/mL at the beginning of degradation experiments. After 72 h incubation with ten Arthrobacter sp. strains, gas chromatography analysis revealed that highest pyrene degradation (19%) was reached by Arthrobacter sp. NJ5 strain. The effect of medium pH, pyrene concentration and temperature on the intensity of the degradation by the most active strain Arthrobacter NJ5 was investigated

Microorganisms Producing Biosurfactant Selection and Characterization of New Discovered Bioemulsifier that will be Used to Create Ecological Heating Production Technology

The chemical synthesis of surface active compounds is economically inefficient. It requires much energy expense, raw materials and harmful reagents. Biological biosynthesis of surface active substances happens in milder conditions without the use of dangerous chemical reagents. The main goal of this work was to select a microorganism strain capable of producing a bioemulsifier with an ability to create a stable water / fuel-oil emulsion that could be used to design a new ecological heating technology. To this end, 3 microorganism strains displaying a high emulsification activity were used. The new discovered surface active substance (SAS) was investigated with different methods (hydrocarbon overlay agar method, emulsification activity determination, microscopic observation). The production of bioemulsifier (BE) was studied by using soluble and insoluble carbon sources. It was found that Arthrobacter sp. Pr82 is the best bioemulsifier producer. Oleic acid was ascertained as the best carbon source for the production of discovered BE

OPTIMIZATION OF COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY FOR GREASE WASTES UTILIZATION

Lipids constitute one of the major types of organic matter found in municipal wastewater. Many manufacturing, food processing and industrial facilities dispose of liquid waste into sewer lines. Liquid waste often contains fats, oils and grease and other organic contaminants which, over time, lead to clogs in pipes. The treatment of this problem is to clean pipes with caustic drain cleaners, mechanically rout the pipes or to replace the pipes completely. The second problem was the utilization of solid waste. JSC “Biocentras” suggest a very effective and innovative complex technology. Firstly, lipids from wastewater and from drain pipes surfaces are removing mechanically. Remained lipids and solid wastes were treated with a composition of active microorganisms. The novel composition is nonpoisonous, no corrosive, no caustic and ecologically advantageous. The invented technology ensures maximum results at the lowest cost in the shortest period of time

Optimization Of Sorbent System From Paper Mill Waste Short Fibers For Bioremediation Of Heavy Hydrocarbons In Soil

The aim was to develop a new improved Sorbent system (S-S) from organic sorbent material, nutrients, biosurfactant and microbial cell producing it for bioremediation of heavy oil hydrocarbons in various soil types. New sorbent material (S-M) was developed from paper mill short waste fibers because it requires very low energy to manufacture and the production costs of this S-M is extremely low compared to similar products in the market. S-M has good sorption characteristics for various oil products, is fully biodegradable, can be applied at sensitive environmental areas. S-M can be combined with microorganisms producing biosurfactant. The goal of investigations was to optimize S-S composition to minimize the leakage of heavy hydrocarbons to deeper soil layers or ground water. The optimal composition of S-S for all types of soil was determined: S-M 86.3-89.3%, microorganisms producing biosurfactant ≥ 107 CFU/g, biosurfactant solution – 3%, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) 0.5 and 0.2%. Recommended optimal S-S moisture is 7%

Optimization of Keratinase Production By Actinomyces Fradiae 119 and Its Application in Degradation of Keratin Containing Wastes

The aim of this study was to identify and optimize significant technological parameters influencing keratinolytic enzyme production by A. fradiae 119 and to study its ability to degrade keratin. In the present work chicken feathers meal (CFM) was found to be an excellent substrate for keratinase induction by A. fradiae 119. The strain produced 164 KU/mL keratinolytic activity in basal medium containing 7.5 g/L CFM as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Increased keratinolytic activity was achieved in media with ammonium sulfate as nitrogen source, the application of additional nitrogen sources to media containing CFM slightly decreased keratinase synthesis. Optimal parameters of the cultivation process were determined: pH of cultivation medium – 7.2, temperature – 34 ºC and inoculum’s size – 8 %, using the response surface methodology. The yield of keratinase activity was increased by 46 % (267 KU/mL) after optimization of the cultivation process. The good ability of cultural liquid to degrade feathers and wool was detected

Review of Creosote Pollution Toxicity and Possibilities of Bioremediation

Creosote oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds obtained from high temperature distillation of coal tar. It is used for over 100 years as a fungicide, insecticide, miticide, and sporicide to protect wood and is applied by pressure methods to wood products, primary utility poles and railroad ties. This treated wood is intended for exterior or outdoor uses only. Its commercial uses include railroad ties 70%, utility poles 15-20%, and other miscellaneous commercial uses 10-15%. Composition of the creosote depends on the source and it has typically 85% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 10% phenolic compounds, and 5% heterocyclic. Between 20 and 40% of the total weight of typical creosote can be attributed to the 16 PAHs defined as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The production of creosote in the European Union (EU) has been estimated to be approximately 60.000-100.000 t per year. The presence of the toxic PAHs and phenolic compounds make creosote treated wood harmful for the environment at the end of its service life and direct or indirect human exposure to creosote treated wood may cause carcinogenic affect to kidney, liver, bladder, eyes and skin. In this presentation we review creosote environmental pollution toxicity and possibilities of remediation

Use Of Plants To Remediate Soil Polluted With Oil

In the present investigation the growing and development ability of various annual and perennial plants to grow on model peat substrate artificially polluted with oil products in the range of concentrations from 1 to 5% was evaluated. The highest tolerance towards peat contamination by oil products has been demonstrated by three annual crops (maize, oat and lupine). These plants were tested for phytoremediation of polluted black soil from the area of oil refinery plant (Mazeikiai, Lithuania), which was treated by association of oil oxidizing bacteria up to residual concentration of the oil products of 4.5 %. The maize plants revealed the highest remediation ability: oil content in the soil decreased by ~ 1.5 times in one month plant vegetation