Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Diksha Sah, Ankita Ghosh, Moumita Chakraborty and JPN Rai

Abstract:
In this study, bacterial strain D-4 was isolated from petroleum contaminated sites and was considered as efficient diesel oil degrader, based on its ability to survive up-to 14% concentration of diesel oil. D-4 was morphologically and biochemically characterized as gram (+) bacteria rough colony surface. Isolate D-4 was immobilized in sodium alginate beads and subjected to viability test by storing at 25 °C and 4 °C for 60 days. It was discovered that the bacteria immobilized in alginate beads was most viable when stored at 25 °C, while they were also reasonably viable at 4 °C. Free and immobilized cells of D-4 were also analyzed for their ability to degrade diesel oil in Bushnell Hass broth supplemented with 1% (v/v) diesel oil for a period of 35 days. Significantly higher degradation rates were observed when diesel oil was treated with immobilized cells of D-4 as compared to free cells and control. This study suggests that immobilization can be a more efficient option for remediation of contaminated sites as compared to employing bacteria in freely suspended state.