Biodegradation of used lubricating oil by bacteria isolated from the eastern coast of Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the biodegradation of used lubricating oil by bacteria isolated from the eastern coast of Thailand. Results showed that out of a total of 315 bacterial isolates, 18 bacterial isolates had the ability to degrade used lubricating oil by more than 80% over 7 days compared to control. The degradation efficiency of the components of used lubricating oil was tested with selected bacterial isolates as single and mixed cultures for 14 days. Results showed that Pseudomonas sp. TR-47.5 and Mixed 3 (Pseudomonas sp. CB-25.1, Staphylococcus sp. TR-46.6, and Pseudomonas sp. TR-47.5) had the ability to degrade glycerol, n-alkanes, and fatty acids more efficiently than the other treatments. In summary, Pseudomonas sp. TR-47.5 and Mixed 3 could be applied in the future for decontamination treatment of oil in environment.