Abstract
BackgroundThe process of plant growth in the contaminated environment is often inhibited and entails the neutralization of harmful compounds. To reduce the negative impact of harmful compounds microorganisms produce unique compounds called biosurfactants. This paper describes the potential of culturable endophytic microorganisms from synanthropic plant-Chelidonium majus L. for the production of biosurfactants, as indirect plant promoting factors as well as their degradation activity. Emulsifying activity and degradation potential of tested strains were assessed by cultivation of isolates in the presence of diesel oil and waste engine oil.ResultsTen bacterial strain were isolated. Analysis of emulsifying activity revealed that all isolates possessed the ability for biosurfactant production. However, one of the isolated endophytes—2A, identified as Bacillus pumilus, exhibited the highest emulsifying activity (OD500 1.96). The same strain has shown very high degradation potential, both for diesel oil and waste engine oil hydrocarbons. Results obtained with the Phytotoxkit tests revealed that the addition of biosurfactant isolated from B. pumilus 2A strain resulted in stimulation of seed germination in soil contaminated with diesel oil (137%) and waste engine oil (120%). Positive impact of the biosurfactant produced by B. pumilus 2A on the growth of Sinapis alba in hydrocarbons contaminated soil was demonstrated.ConclusionsThe endophytic strain identified as Bacillus pumilus 2A produce biosurfactant that is able to act as plant-growth promoting agent. Endophytic bacteria isolated from Chelidonium majus L. exhibit potential for hydrocarbons degradation and biosurfactant production. These properties provide promising perspectives for application of biosurfactants as potential agents for bioremediation of environment contaminated with hydrocarbons.
Highlights
The process of plant growth in the contaminated environment is often inhibited and entails the neu‐ tralization of harmful compounds
Isolation of endophytic bacteria capable of hydrocarbons degradation The reports concerning the isolation of endophytic bacteria from the medicinal plants focus mainly on the ones growing in Asia and South America [38,39,40,41]
Plants used in the present study grew in the environment where they were exposed to the contamination with the products of fuel combustion and volatile hydrocarbons
Summary
The process of plant growth in the contaminated environment is often inhibited and entails the neu‐ tralization of harmful compounds. Endophytic species very often produce secondary metabolites which may have bioactive properties These metabolites may promote plant growth and increase the resistance to stressful environmental conditions, such as the presence of xenobiotics [2,3,4,5,6]. Marchut‐Mikolajczyk et al Microb Cell Fact (2018) 17:171 the environment, become a serious environmental problem [10]. The presence of these compounds in soil, even at low concentrations, may inhibit growth and metabolic activities of microorganisms. The organic pollutants may enter the food chain and, because of its carcinogenicity, toxicity and mutagenicity, they pose a serious threat to the plants, animals and humans [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
