Evaluation of Biosurfactant Production Capabilities in Bacterial Strains Isolated from Oil-Contaminated Soil

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the biosurfactant production capabilities of bacterial strains isolated from oil-con-taminated soil samples. Employing a comprehensive methodological approach, we collected soil samples from thirty different fuel pumps and conducted an extensive screening of bacterial isolates using various tests such as hemolytic activity, emulsification index, blue agar plate method, and drop collapsing test. The results revealed significant biosurfactant production among certain isolates, specifically highlighting the effectiveness of two par-ticular strains. This paper presents a detailed analysis of these strains, including their optimal growth conditions in terms of pH, temperature, carbon, and nitrogen sources. Our findings indicate a notable potential of these bacterial strains in biosurfactant production, with implications for environmental bioremediation, particularly in oil pollution contexts. The study also sheds light on the limitations encountered and underscores the originality of the research in exploring biosurfactant production in a novel context. This study contributes to the field by offering insights into the effective utilization of microbial strains for biosurfactant synthesis, which is crucial for sustainable and eco-friendly bioremediation practices.