STUDY ON ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIA FROM SOIL SAMPLES OF FUEL STATION

V. Asha Ranjani*, G. Tulja Rani, B. Jithendar, K. Serafina and K. Jeevana Sri

Petroleum products pose a significant threat to marine life and surroundings, necessitating natural decontamination methods. A study investigated the ability of sediment microorganisms to degrade crude oil, a key hydrocarbon, using a 12-month period of sediment samples. Out of 113 degrading bacteria, three were identified as efficient, with the highest degradation rate of 55% recorded by Pseudomonas aeruginosa I5 isolate.^[1] This systematic review identifies and analyzes hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in Colombia, focusing on Pseudomonas and Bacillus. The largest number of publications in 2018 was in Colombia, with Pseudomonas and Bacillus being the most frequently identified bacterial genera. Studies show that hydrocarbon degradation is more efficient when bacterial consortia are used. This information will be useful for future studies in this field. The study characterized 26 hydrocarbon-degrading endophytic bacteria from Lotus corniculatus L. and Oenothera biennis L. collected in petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted sites. The isolates were classified into Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, with most belonging to the genera Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus. Over 90% of the isolates could grow on diesel oil, and 20% could use n-hexadecane as a sole carbon and energy source. The study found that these endophytic bacteria have the potential to improve phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soils.^[2][3] The increasing population and modernization have led to increased environmental pollution from petroleum hydrocarbons. Bacteria degrading these compounds are often used for bioremediation. However, microbial remediation technology faces challenges due to environmental factors. This paper reviews recent literature on bacteria as biodegraders, discusses implementation barriers, and offers suggestions for future developments. The study investigated the impact of light crude oil on bacterial communities during an oil spill in the North Sea and mesocosms. Results showed no oil-induced changes in the bacterial community, but a decrease in the dominant SAR11 phylotype and an increase in Pseudoalteromonas spp. in the oiled mesocosms. 216 strains were isolated from hydrocarbon enrichment cultures, revealing the susceptibility of SAR11 to oil pollution. Crude oil-derived hydrocarbons are the largest environmental pollutants globally, causing a growing interest in their removal. Bioremediation is the most economically justified method for clean-up. This review aims to explain the formation of crude oil, its abundance, and the bacterial ability to use them as energy. It also discusses the impact of nutrient limitations on biomass growth, the formation of aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and the role of surfactants in biodegradation. The review serves as a starting point for further debate on bioremediation strategies.^[4][5][6]