Biodegradation of Kirkuk light crude oil by Bacillus thuringiensis, Northern of Iraq

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the viabil-ity of Bacillus thuringiensis bacterial on a bio-degradation process for Kirkuk light crude oil. The viable count of Bacillus thuringiensis showed great capability on the biodegradation of crude oil. These bacteria exhibit the ability to disman-tle crude oil through clear emulsion layer of crude oil. And they have a good efficiency to dis-mantle hydrocarbon compounds by 80%, and total biomass reaches to 5 g/l, while the amount of emulsion reaches to 2.3 g/l. For more evi-dences on the biodegradation action of Bacillus thuringiensis which have been supported by using the technology of gas-Chromatography which confirms the occurring of biodegradation process. The visual examination of gas-Chro-matography shows the disappearance of a num-ber of chemicals, as well as decrease in peak area for some material.