Isolation And Characterization Of Soil Microorganisms Capable Of Utilizing Used Motor Oil For Growth

Bioremediation research of petroleum products is extensive and ongoing, but there is a general lack of research dealing specifically with used-motor oil. The biodegration of used motor oil using inoculums from pristine soil and used-motor oil contaminated soil was investigated. Six indigenous soil microorganisms that were capable of utilizing used-motor oil as their sole carbon-energy source were isolated from oil agar plates. These microorganisms were identified by either the 16S rRNA gene, or the 18S rRNA gene DNA sequences. Classical methods of identification were performed as a supplementation to the molecular method. The isolates were analyzed for their ability to degrade various hydrocarbons, such as n-alkanes, branched alkanes, cycloalkanes, n-alkenes, aromatics, and polycyclic aromatics. The six isolates were characterized for the optimal growth temperature, pH, and salinity. The genera of the six isolates were Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas, Aspergillus, and Eupenicillium.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Sallee, Robert

Contributors dc:contributor

• John Steiert

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Robert Sallee

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1206

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2207