Innovative Strategy for Hydrocarbons Bioremediation Through Natural Enhancements

Abstract

There are significant environmental issues that arise due to the existence of petroleum hydrocarbons, due to their persistence and toxicity. There is therefore a need for the development of sustainable techniques for bioremediation. This study focused on assessing the effects of biochar extracts, bile salts, and both treatments together in improving bacterial growth and hydrocarbon degradation processes. A total of five species of bacteria (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Rhodococcus ruber, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium gilvum) were cultivated in culture media that had diesel and motor oils at two different contamination levels (1:1 and 3:3 mg/mL). The bacterial growth process was monitored for 35 days, whereas hydrocarbon degradation was analyzed by the use of gas chromatography. It was found that bacteria grew in proportion to the increase in biochar extract and bile salt concentration, and that the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus showed the highest growth and efficiency in biodegradation. According to gas chromatography analysis, a significant decrease was found in both low and high-molecular-weight hydrocarbon fractions. It was found that the combination of biochar extract and bile salts produced higher efficiency in hydrocarbon degradation compared to any of the amendments used alone. This shows that there is a synergistic effect between the two amendments, which increases the bioavailability of the hydrocarbons.