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Biodegradation of BTEX by Bacteria Isolated From Soil Contaminated With Petroleum Sludge and Liquid and Solid Petrochemical Effluents

Summary

Scientists isolated bacteria from oil-contaminated soil that can effectively break down BTEX chemicals, which are toxic pollutants from petroleum products. Two bacterial strains, Arthrobacter pascens and Bacillus sp., proved most effective at degrading these harmful compounds, removing over 80% within 12 days. These findings suggest these bacteria could be used to clean up contaminated sites naturally and cost-effectively.

Background

BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) are significant soil and water pollutants derived from petroleum products and petrochemical facilities. These volatile organic compounds are recognized as priority pollutants by the U.S. EPA and pose serious health risks including neurological disorders and leukaemia with long-term exposure.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and identify BTEX-degrading bacteria from oil sludge-contaminated soil in the Bahregan area and from liquid and solid petrochemical effluents in Lordegan. The research evaluated the biodegradation efficiency of selected bacterial strains using gas chromatography analysis.

Results

G2 bacteria (Arthrobacter pascens) demonstrated the highest BTEX biodegradation capacity, removing >80% of all four compounds with the order T>B>X>E. M2 bacteria (Bacillus sp.) achieved >80% removal of benzene and toluene with degradation order B>T>X>E. K bacteria showed significantly lower degradation rates with the order E>X>T>B.

Conclusion

Arthrobacter pascens and Bacillus sp. emerged as the most efficient bacteria for BTEX bioremediation, demonstrating high biological degradation capacity exceeding 80% for most compounds within 12 days. These findings support the application of these native bacteria in developing preferential pollutant treatment systems for BTEX-contaminated sites.
  • Published in:MicrobiologyOpen,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Isolation Study,
  • Source: 10.1002/mbo3.70132, PMID: 41208079
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