Growth performance and biodegradation of waste motor oil by Nostoc piscinale strain TISTR 8401 in the presence of heavy metals and nutrients as co-contaminants

Abstract

Nostoc piscinale strain TISTR 8401 was investigated for its ability to degrade waste motor oil under various conditions. Strain TISTR 8401 grew well with waste motor oil over a concentration range of 0.5–3% (v/v) with satisfactory biodegradability. Moreover, cyanobacterial growth and oil biodegradation were not affected by changes in medium pH, indicating the splendid growth ability of strain TISTR 8401 and its good biodegradation potential over a broad pH range (4–9). On the other hand, oil biodegradation was altered with addition of nutrients or heavy metals. Both PO43− and NO3− exerted substantial stimulation in oil biodegradation whereas heavy metals as well as NH4+ displayed a strong inhibitory effect. Only a meager suppressing effect was observed for NO2−.