Comparison of Viability and Efficacy of an Immobilized Bacterial Consortium in Four Different Carriers to Degrade Oil

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the storage system’s effect on immobilizing bioremediation agents’ performance in four different carriers (Perlite, Silica, Vermiculite, and Zeolite). Measured parameters were the viability and efficacy of artificial bacterial consortium (Bacillus sp., B. licheniformis, and Enterobacter cloacae) immobilized in the four porous rock carriers by lyophilization. They were stored at room temperature (25-27°C) for three months. The experiment was taken place in a microcosm system with three replicates for 28 days. The results indicate that storage of immobilized bacteria for three months at room temperature will affect their viability. The efficacy of immobilized bacteria in Vermiculite and Perlite reached the highest rate until the first week, 61.44% and 60.18 %, respectively. However, the efficacy in decreasing oil concentration of immobilized cells in the four carriers was almost similar (90.53 – 91.63%), with no significant difference between each other in the late stage. This is very different with control, decreasing oil in only 10.85 - 13.57%, except in control with fertilizer (Cp) supplemented (90.63%). We conclude that bioremediation will improve oil removal. However, storage at room temperature for three months will decrease the performance of these immobilized cells.