Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria Capable. of Hydrocarbon Biodegradation from the Soils of Hassi-Messaoud Region of Algeria

Abstract

Discharges from the petroleum industries are important pollutants in the environment and therefore major risks to human and animal health. The biological decontamination of soils and aquifers contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons requires the intervention of competent microorganisms. "Hydrocarbonoclastic" bacteria produce biomolecules called "biosurfactants" which are of great interest in environmental and industrial applications. The aim of our study is a characterization of biosurfactant-producing bacterial strains associated with the oil industry of Hassi-Massaoud. Nineteen strains were isolated on synthetic mineral salts medium (MSM) containing 2% crude oil as a carbon source. Our isolates were grouped into six main genera: Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Bacillus, Micrococcus and two genera attached to the classes of Bordetella/Alcaligenes/Moraxella spp. The species Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed significant degradation of hydrocarbons among all isolated bacterial species as determined in MSM supplemented wfth crude oil. This species can be used as a potent biosurfactant-producer.