Eman Falih Nimmah
Ministry of education, general directorial of education in wasit, yakoot school, wasit, Iraq
Melad Khalaf Mohammed
Ministry of Higher Education, Department of Biology, College of Science, Wasit University, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Used engine oil is highly resistant to natural degradation processes due to the presence of metals generated from engine component corrosion and friction. While various techniques exist for treating oil-contaminated soil, bioremediation remains the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for soil remediation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas putida under optimal conditions for degrading used engine oil in contaminated soil. Methods: Pseudomonas putida was employed to bioremediate soil contaminated with used engine oil. Optimal conditions for bacterial growth and degradation efficiency were determined by varying parameters, including carbon source, pH, temperature, and incubation time. Glucose served as the carbon source, and experiments were conducted at pH 7, 35°C, with a 2% (v/v) oil concentration, and an incubation period of 144 hours. Results: The data indicated that Pseudomonas putida effectively degraded used engine oil under the specified conditions. A 2% (v/v) oil concentration, with glucose as the carbon source, supported optimal bacterial growth and bioremediation activity, highlighting the strain’s potential for environmental cleanup of oil-contaminated soils. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Pseudomonas putida in bioremediating used engine oil-contaminated soil under optimal conditions. These findings underscore the potential of bioremediation as a sustainable and efficient method for mitigating environmental pollution caused by hydrocarbons.
Keywords: Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Bioremediation, Pseudomonas Putida, Soil, Engine Oil.
