FACTORS AFFECTING BIOREMEDIATION OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS BY BACTERIAL ISOLATES IN CONTAMINATED SOILS

Abstract

This study was conducted to test the effect of different environmental conditions on the efficiency of the dominant bacterial isolation In contaminated soils on the consumption of crude oil By calculating the percentage of hydrocarbon consumption by bacteria as they were grown attemperatures of 20, 25, 30, 35, and various pH values of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.Two nitrogen sources were tested to find out the best nitrogen source for bacterial growth. Two phosphate sources were also tested to find out the best phosphate source for bacterial growth. The results revealed that a pH of 8 is optimal for these bacteria to consume hydrocarbons. For bacterial growth and biodegradation, the nitrogen supply NaNO3, the phosphate sources K2HPO4 and KH2PO4, and the incubation temperature of 35°C are ideal.. Thus, we conclude from this study that environmental conditions are among the most important influences on the effectiveness of the biodegradation process and the removal of pollutants from soil contamination sites.