Utilization of bacterial consortium for oil sludge biodegradation using bioslurry method

Abstract

Aims: Oil sludge is one of pollutant sources in the environment. Bacterial abundance, interaction, and compatibility of environmental factors ensure the success of biodegradation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of bacterial consortium in degrading oil sludge using bioslurry method. Methodology and results: The research design used was completely randomized design 4×5 with variation of bacterial consortium concentration and incubation time. Composition of contaminant and liquid phase in bioslurry method was 1:9 ratio with aeration, at room temperature. The liquid phase comprises distilled water with the addition of 2% (v/v) of molasses as nutrient for bacterial growth. Bacterial growth was evaluated using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) measurements were evaluated using the gravimetric method while the oil sludge hydrocarbon component was evaluated by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (GCMS). The pH and temperature data were analyzed descriptively while TPC and TPH data were analyzed using Two Way ANOVA (α=0.05). The bacterial consortium could grow on oil sludge hydrocarbon substrate with a range of temperature of 29 °C-32 °C and an optimum pH of 7. Biodegradation of TPH was 70.48% at consortium concentration of 15% in 14 days of incubation. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Biodegradation of oil sludge using a bacterial consortium by bioslurry method is one of the effective methods to reduce pollutants in the management of oil sludge.