Surfactant-enhanced bioremediation

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Waste Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0956-053X(95)00038-2· OSTI ID:260458

Churchill, P F; Dudley, R J; Churchill, S A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States). Dept. of Biological Sciences

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of three structurally related, non-ionic surfactants, Triton X-45, Triton X-100 and Triton X-165, as well as the oleophilic fertilizer, Inipol EAP 22, on the rate of biodegradation of phenanthrene by pure bacterial cultures. Each surfactant dramatically increased the apparent aqueous solubility of phenanthrene. Model studies were conducted to investigate the ability of these surfactants to enhance the rate of transport and uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into bacterial cells, and to assess the impact that increasing the aqueous solubility of hydrocarbons has on their rate of biodegradation. The results indicate that increasing the apparent aqueous solubility of hydrocarbons can lead to enhanced biodegradation rates by two Pseudomonas saccharophila strains. However, the experiments also suggest that some surfactants can inhibit aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation by certain bacteria. The data also support the hypothesis that surface-active components present in the oleophilic fertilizer formulation, Inipol EAP 22, may have significantly contributed to the positive results reported in tests of remedial agent impact on bioremediation, which was used as a supplemental clean-up technology on Exxon Valdez crude oil-contaminated Alaskan beaches.

• OSTI ID: 260458
• Journal Information: Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: 5-6 Vol. 15; ISSN WAMAE2; ISSN 0956-053X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
PERFORMANCE
PHENANTHRENE
REMEDIAL ACTION
SURFACTANTS
WASTE PROCESSING