Isolation of Marine Bacteria and Evaluation of Crude Oil Degradation Potential

Mohana Priya et al.,

biosurfactant | bioremediation

Vol: 11; Iss. 1; Jan. 25 | ISSN: 2454-5422

Human activities, including offshore oil exploration and road pollution, have significantly impacted marine ecosystems, with oil spills causing both acute and chronic ecological damage, while indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria play a key role in mitigating these effects. This study evaluates the crude oil degradation potential of two marine bacterial isolates. Isolate 1 demonstrated biosurfactant production and a measurable reduction in crude oil degradation, while Isolate 2 showed no significant change, indicating a lack of degradation activity. After 28 days of incubation in seawater broth enriched with 1% crude oil, Isolate 1 exhibited varying levels of crude oil degradation at different concentrations (0.4 mL to 1.0 mL). At higher concentrations, bacterial growth remained robust, and a noticeable reduction in the crude oil layer was observed, although some residual oil remained at 1.0 mL, suggesting a slight decrease in degradation efficiency. These results highlight the potential of Isolate 1 as a bioremediation candidate for addressing crude oil contamination in marine environments. Further research is required to optimize environmental conditions for enhanced degradation and to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying crude oil biodegradation by this isolate.

Mohana Priya R, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Velumanoharan Arts and Science College for Women, Ramanathapuram, Tamilnadu, India.