Enrichment and Characterization of Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria from Various Oil-Contaminated Sites in Pakistan

Abstract

Accretion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environment due to variety of anthropogenic activities has taken this ecosystem to the brink of destruction. Since the dawn of century, various physio-chemical methods have been postulated for the removal of these noxious substances. So far, microbial degradation is a most effective way to get rid of this ecological problem. Therefore, the assessment of randomly nominated soil samples from different sites of country land (Pakistan) was performed to scrutinize the proficiency of indigenous bacteria in degrading hydrocarbons (Hi-Octane, petrol, kerosene oil, and lubricating oil). The statistically based Plackett–Burman experimental design was also applied to evaluate the cultural conditions affecting degradation potency. Potential isolates were identified through biochemical and molecular analysis followed by the Gravimetric test to estimate the degradation level. In addition, the isolated strains exhibited a significant production of bio-surfactants in their cell-free condition. Five potent strains including Streptococcus sp., Bacillus flexus, Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., and Ancyclobacter rudongensis were screened out, which have an ability to degrade and utilize kerosene oil, Hi-octane, petrol, and lubricating oil when analyzed individually. However, the bacterial consortium of all five strains (AA1-5) exhibited prodigious efficiency to degrade variety of hydrocarbons in less time.

Keywords:

• Bio-surfactants
• biodegradation
• HC degraders
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• Plackett-Burman model

Disclosure statement

The authors desire to endorse that there are no recognized conflicts of interest allied with this publication and there has been no substantial economic funding for this work that could have predisposed its consequence. The authors approve that the manuscript has been read and accepted by all named authors and that there are no other folks who gratified the criteria for authorship but are not listed. The authors auxiliary indorse that the order of authors listed in the manuscript has been sanctioned by all of us. The authors confirm that we have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property associated with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication, with respect to intellectual property. In so doing, we confirm that the authors have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge an Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Government College University Lahore, Pakistan, for all kind of funding during the research program.