BIODEGRADATION POTENTIAL OF BACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM OIL CONTAMINATED SITE
*Kannahi M. and Anbukarasi R.
ABSTRACT
The discharge of oil contaminated soil to environment caused serious damages to human, animal and environment
and bioremediation are an attractive alternative to chemical method for removal of hydrocarbon from industrial
effluents. This study has demonstrated a very good biodegradation capability of oil contaminated soil by Bacillus
species. In spite of the complex composition of oil contaminated soil from three different automotive workshops,
biodegradation could be accomplished by Bacillus species. Soil samples were collected from automotive
workshops and subjected to serial dilution and plating. From the developed bacterial colonies, one was selected
and identified as Bacillus species based on the biochemical tests. The isolated strain was able to grow in minimal
broth along with 2, 7, 10 and 15% concentrations of oil which indicated the capability of the organism in
degrading oil and utilizing it as a source of growth. The isolated strains efficiency was determined by analyzing
the parameters pH, optical density and CO2 released during petrol degradation. HPLC analysis also confirmed the
degradation of oil by Bacillus species. The isolate Bacillus species has the ability to tolerate the oil concentrations
and grow on them. Hence, this strain can be used in cleaning oil polluted sites.
Keywords: Biodegradation, Bacillus species, Oil contaminated soil, Hydrocarbon, HPLC analysis.
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