Petroleum Pollution Research Articles

Petroleum-contaminated soil bioremediation and microbial community succession induced by application of co-pyrolysis biochar amendment: An investigation of performances and mechanisms

This study aimed to remediate petroleum-contaminated soil using co-pyrolysis biochar derived from rice husk and cellulose. Rice husk and cellulose were mixed in various weight ratios (0:1, 1:0, 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1) and pyrolyzed under 500 °C. These biochar variants were labeled as R0C1, R1C0, R1C1, R1C3 and R3C1, respectively. Notably, the specific surface area and carbon content of the co- pyrolysis biochar increased, potentially promoting the growth and colonization of soil microorganisms. On the 60th day, the microbial control group achieved a 46.69% removal of pollutants, while the addition of R0C1, R1C0, R1C3, R1C1 and R3C1 resulted in removals of 70.56%, 67.01%, 67.62%, 68.74% and 67.30%, respectively. In contrast, the highest efficiency observed in the abiotic treatment group was only 24.12%. This suggested that the removal of petroleum pollutants was an outcome of the collaborative influence of co-pyrolysis biochar and soil microorganisms. Furthermore, the abundance of Proteobacteria, renowned for its petroleum degradation capability, obviously increased in the treatment group with the addition of co-pyrolysis biochar. This demonstrated that co-pyrolysis biochar could notably stimulate the growth of functionally associated microorganisms. This research confirmed the promising application of co-pyrolysis biochar in the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.

Sources and high burial efficiency of fossil organic carbon in small bays and implication for coastal carbon cycle

Coastal seas receive and store large amounts of organic carbon (OC) from land and ocean, thereby playing a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Understanding factors that influencing OC sources and burial efficiencies in coastal areas have been challenging. We selected the Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) and its surrounding rivers heavily affected by human activities as a case study small bay. We presented bulk parameters of grain size, sediment surface area (SSA), TOC content and carbon isotopes (δ13Corg and Δ14Corg), terrestrial biomarkers (∑C27 + C29 + C31n-alkanes) and marine biomarkers (brassicasterol and dinosterol) in surface sediments and suspended particulates. Our results showed low TOC and biomarker contents in the Dagu River Estuary from the west of the JZB associated with coarse sediments and lower SSA. To estimate the OC proportions, we applied a three-end member mixing model based on TOC δ13Corg and biomarker ratios and obtained the OC contribution from phytoplankton (average 52 %), soil (average 34 %) and wetlands (average 14 %). A transect from east to west of the JZB was selected to further assess the OC age composition based on radiocarbon isotopic (14C) measurements for a new perspective. The lower Δ14Corg values in the east revealed fossil OC contributions from human activities, such as petroleum pollutant inputs from sewage outlets. Based on a dual‑carbon isotope (δ13Corg and Δ14Corg) mass balance mixing model, the OC contributions were 40 %, 34 %, 14 %, 12 % from fossil carbon, phytoplankton, wetlands and soil, respectively. The very high burial efficiency of fossil OC in JZB (111 ± 19 %) indicated that small bays such as the JZB could be an important sedimentary carbon sink.

Seasonal variations in the distribution of aliphatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the Selangor River, Peninsular Malaysia's West Coast.

The seasonal variation of petroleum pollution including n-alkanes in surface sediments of the Selangor River in Malaysia during all four climatic seasons was investigated using GC-MS. The concentrations of n-alkanes in the sediment samples did not significantly correlate with TOC (r = 0.34, p > 0.05). The concentrations of the 29 n-alkanes in the Selangor River ranged from 967 to 3711 µg g-1dw, with higher concentrations detected during the dry season. The overall mean per cent of grain-sized particles in the Selangor River was 85.9 ± 2.85% sand, 13.5 ± 2.8% clay, and 0.59 ± 0.34% gravel, respectively. n-alkanes are derived from a variety of sources, including fresh oil, terrestrial plants, and heavy/degraded oil in estuaries. The results of this study highlight concerns and serve as a warning that hydrocarbon contamination is affecting human health. As a result, constant monitoring and assessment of aliphatic hydrocarbons in coastal and riverine environments are needed.

Assessment of the phytotoxicity of petroleum-polluted black soil in relation to agricultural and wild species of phytoremediator plants

The effect of petroleum pollution on soil was assessed for its impact on the adaptation properties of 12 agricultural and 5 wild plant species. The influence of petroleum on seed germination was determined at concentrations of 1%, 3%, 4%, 6%, and 8% in the soil. Wild plants exhibited lower germination rates compared to cultivated species. For most cultivated plants, a 1% concentration of petroleum did not inhibit seed germination, but germination decreased to 60-80% of the control under concentrations of 2% and 4%. In soil containing 6% petroleum, peas, clover, alfalfa, and sunflower exhibited germination rates of more than 50%, while alfalfa and sunflower germinated only at an 8% concentration. The assessment of soil phytotoxicity revealed that sunflower plants are the most resistant to petroleum pollution. A comparison of resistance to soil petroleum pollution among four sunflower varieties showed that the ’Bombardir’ cultivar exhibited the best growth parameters.

Fabrication of zinc oxide nanorods for photocatalytic degradation of docosane, a petroleum pollutant, under solar light simulator.

The use of advanced oxidation processes (AOP) in photocatalysis is critical for treating hazardous chemical compounds in oil-produced water (OPW). ZnO NRs are one of the most important modern and safe photocatalysts and have been easily prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and grown on glass substrates. Hexagonal-shaped ZnO NRs and a bandgap energy (Eg) of up to 3.2 eV were characterized using SEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and PL devices, respectively. The effectiveness of photocatalytic degradation on the organic docosane solution was evaluated using a solar light simulator. On the surface area of the ZnO NRs, high photon absorption causes e-/h+ pairs to be excited between the VB and CB, producing free radicals that immediately react with organic contaminants and transform them into harmless chemicals. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the compound docosane analysed using GC-MS/MS reached 68.5% at 5 hours of irradiation. A mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of docosane was proposed at pH ∼ 6.5, and a reduction of 60.5% of the total organic carbon (TOC) was achieved. Thus, the photocatalytic treatment of organic compounds contained in OPW has great potential and serves an important environmental purpose.

Screening and identification of petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in groundwater of contaminated site

In order to effectively repair groundwater pollution and remove petroleum hydrocarbons, two petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria SYT-1 and SYT-2 were isolated from long-term petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater. The rescreening experiments showed that the degradation rates of SYT-1 and SYT-2 were 65.16 % and 52.52 %, respectively. SYT-1 and SYT-2 were identified as Moraxella and Acinetobacter. The degrading bacteria SYT-1 and SYT-2 were identified as Moxa and Acinetobacter by physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequencing. The experimental results provide strain resources and technical support for bioremediation of petroleum pollution in groundwater.

Microbial functional heterogeneity induced in a petroleum-polluted soil profile

Microbial taxonomic diversity declines with increasing stress caused by petroleum pollution. However, few studies have tested whether functional diversities vary similarly to taxonomic diversity along the stress gradient. Here, we investigated soil microbial communities in a petrochemically polluted site in China. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations were higher in the middle (2–3 m) and deep soil layer (3–5 m) than in the surface soil layer (0–2 m). Accordingly, microbial taxonomic α-diversity was decreased by 44% (p < 0.001) in the middle and deep soil layers, compared to the surface soil layer. In contrast, functional α-diversity decreased by 3% (p < 0.001), showing a much better buffering capacity to environmental stress. Differences in microbial taxonomic and functional β-diversities were enlarged in the middle and deep soil layers, extending the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP) that a community adapts to stressful environments in its own way. Consistent with the stress gradient hypothesis, we revealed a higher degree of network connectivity among microbial species and genes in the middle and deep soil layers compared to the surface soil layer. Together, we demonstrate that microbial functionality is more tolerant to stress than taxonomy, both of which were amenable to AKP and the stress gradient hypothesis.

Degrading characteristics of oil‐degrading bacteria and its study of petroleum hydrocarbon metabolites

AbstractExploring the community characteristics of petroleum degrading bacteria and revealing the types of petroleum metabolites produced by degrading bacteria play an important role in solving the problem of oil pollution. In this study, the bacterial suspension was extracted from the sludge of the sewage treatment plant, and the efficient dominant bacteria were enriched and cultured by microbial screening. The optimal environmental conditions and kinetic behavior of microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater were discussed, and the metabolites of microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons were analyzed. The results showed that the optimum degradation conditions of the strain were as follows: bacterial suspension inoculum: 2%, pH: 7, temperature: 30°C, initial concentration of contaminated water sample: 500 mg/L. Under these conditions, the microbial petroleum hydrocarbon degradation efficiency was 84.7% and followed the first‐order kinetics; qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis of the metabolites of the microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by gas chromatography‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was performed. A total of 10 significantly upregulated products and 12 significantly downregulated products were screened, which were significantly different from the metabolites of the control group. Further microbial community analysis showed that Pseudomonas was dominant in the bacterial suspension, more than 99.5%, which was significantly different from the sludge sample, providing data support for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by Pseudomonas. This study has provided a scientific basis for in situ remediation of petroleum pollution in groundwater.

Bioremidation and Phytoremdiation of Petroleum Contaminated Soil

Remediating soil contaminated by petroleum is a significant environmental problem that calls for long-term and practical solutions. In order to solve this problem, this study investigates the potential benefits of combining phytoremediation with bioremediation procedures. Whereas phytoremediation uses specialized plants to collect and detoxify pollutants, bioremediation makes use of microorganisms' inherent ability to degrade materials. Aim of the search is to assess the viability, effectiveness, and ecological consequences of these techniques. Systematic experiments revealed that petroleum pollutants in soil can be efficiently reduced by both phytoremediation and bioremediation. While phytoremediation demonstrates the potential of specific plant species to collect and mitigate contaminants, bioremediation benefits from a broad microbial community that breaks down complex hydrocarbons. A few variables that affect the effectiveness of both strategies are temperature, moisture levels, plant selection, and microbial activity. The use of bioremediation and phytoremediation both have benefits and drawbacks, which renders them complimentary methods. Site- specific elements including soil characteristics, pollutant kinds, and weather patterns affect its performance. These techniques are being improved upon by research, which also incorporates cutting-edge technology like genetic engineering and nanoremediation.

Site-scale groundwater pollution risk assessment using surrogate models and statistical analysis

Petroleum pollution in soil and groundwater has emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide. As a sustainable and cost-effective in-situ remediation technique, Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) exhibits significant promise in addressing sites contaminated by petrochemicals. This study specifically targets a typical petrochemical-contaminated site in northern China and employs GMS software to establish a comprehensive physical model. The model relies on time-series monitoring data of phenol concentrations spanning from 2018 to 2020, effectively simulating both the leakage and natural attenuation of phenol. Within this study, the adsorption coefficient and maximum adsorption capacity emerge as the foremost influential factors shaping the outcomes of the model. Given the inherent heterogeneity of the site and the variability of hydrochemical conditions, parameters such as dispersion, porosity, and adsorption coefficient exhibit significant uncertainties. Consequently, relying on traditional deterministic models to predict the feasibility of MNA technology is not reliable. Therefore, this study employs machine learning (ML) methods to construct stochastic parameter models based on physical processes. The Random Forest Regression (RFR) algorithm, after trained, demonstrates strong alignment with numerical model output, exhibiting an average Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) >0.96. Using a stochastic approach, RFR iteratively computes phenol concentration across 6000 sets of parameters. Applying probability statistics, the model shows a notable reduction in the likelihood of phenol concentrations exceeding a threshold, dropping from 64.0% to 15.7% before and after natural attenuation. In parameter uncertainty, the stochastic model emphasizes natural attenuation's efficacy in mitigating phenol pollution risk (porosity being the most influential factor). This case study proposed a novel method to quickly assess the pollution risks at petrochemical sites under the influence of the uncertainty of pollutant transport and reaction parameters. The results can provide a reference for the pollution risk assessment at petrochemical sites, especially in sites with high stratigraphic heterogeneity or insufficient transport parameter data.

Assessment of tolerance limits of petroleum residues in soil organic matter: sorption of dichlorobenzene by soil.

Soil organic matter can protect plants and microorganisms from toxic substances. Beyond the tolerance limit, the toxicity of petroleum pollution to soil organisms may increase rapidly with the increase of petroleum content. However, the method for evaluating the petroleum tolerance limit of soil organic matter (SOM) is still lacking. In this study, the petroleum saturation limit in SOM was first evaluated by the sorption coefficient (Kd) of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) from water to soils containing different petroleum levels. The sorption isotherm of dichlorobenzene in several petroleum-contaminated soils with different organic matter content and the microbial toxicity test of several petroleum-contaminated soils were determined. It is found that when the petroleum content is about 5% of the soil organic matter content, the sorption of petroleum to organic matter reached saturation limit. When organic matter reaches petroleum saturation limit, the sorption coefficient of DCB by soil particles increased linearly with the increase of petroleum content (R2 > 0.991). The results provided important insights into the understanding the fate of petroleum pollutants in soil and the analysis of soil toxicity.

Identity Of Handling Water Pollution Caused By Petroleum Pollution In Indonesia By Adsorption

Indonesia is a maritime country known for its vast territorial waters of sea, reservoirs, rivers, lakes, and bays compared to its land area which makes Indonesia rich in natural resources of sea and other waters. However, many problems are faced when preserving the sea such as marine pollution in the form of petroleum spills which are very dangerous for marine ecosystems. Therefore, there needs to be a handling effort to overcome this. The purpose of this research is to provide information about handling by adsorption to overcome petroleum pollution. The preparation method is carried out by analyzing articles from various literature sources such as journals, scientific papers, report books, and Google Scholar. The conclusion is that the treatment that can be applied to overcome the pollution of the sea and other waters due to petroleum in Indonesia by adsorption using activated carbon cassava peel, cocoa pod skin, water hyacinth, banana peel, and banana stem is classified as effective, efficient and economical management and has its advantages in reducing the levels of parameters contained in petroleum waste.

Evaluating the productivity and bioremediation potential of two tropical marine algae in petroleum hydrocarbon polluted tropical marine water

Bioremediation using tropical marine algae provides cost effective and eco-friendly alternative mean of removing toxic and harmful substances from the environment. Bioremediation is an important tool in sustainable environmental management and protection. This study examined the productivity and bioremediation potential of Nannochloropsis oculata and Porphyridium cruentum in Water Soluble Fraction (WSF) of petroleum fuels by investigating the growth of Nannochloropsis oculata and Porphyridium cruentum at 0%, 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 75% 100% of WSF of kerosene, diesel, and gasoline. Growth was monitored optically every two days for fourteen days using 721 Visible Spectrophotometer. Productivity was measured using prescribed procedure. Bioremediation potential of test algae were examined using standard method for the GC analysis of diesel range organics in 100% WSFs. The minimum growth for both species was recorded at 100% in all the fuels. The maximum growth of Porphyridium cruentum was obtained at 10% in all fuels, while the maximum growth of Nannochloropsis oculata was obtained at 30% in both kerosene and gasoline and at 50% in diesel. Whereas Porphyridium cruentum was greatly inhibited by all fuels, Nannochloropsis oculata was stimulated at lower concentration of the fuels. Nannochloropsis oculata proved more efficient for bioremediation of the petroleum fuels with 84.58%, 65.51% and 70.77% removal efficiency for kerosene, diesel and gasoline respectively, while Porphyridium cruentum was 58.94%, 46.64% and 56.67% respectively. Nannochloropsis oculata is a very strong and reliable candidate for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and should be subjected to further examination for sustainable and eco-friendly remediation of petroleum pollution.

Rhamnolipid assisted degradation of petroleum crude oil by indigenous Pseudomonas sp. WDE11 in seawater

Chronic and acute release of petroleum crude into oceans and seas leads to catastrophic effects on ecosystems and global climate. Employing effective strategies for the mitigation of petroleum crude pollution in the marine environment is the need of the hour. An indigenous strain of Pseudomonas (sp. WDE11), with polyaromatic hydrocarbon degrading abilities, degraded 1% petroleum crude oil (PCO) effectively in seawater on supplementation of glucose (1.0 g/L). Degradation was assisted by biosurfactant with low CMC (15.0 g/L) and was characterized as a rhamnolipid by FESEM-EDAX, LCMS, and FT-IR analysis. Glucose and inoculum depicted curvature amongst other tested parameters (incubation time, PCO, pH, and agitation speed via OPAT approach, and were subsequently optimized to maximum degradation using Pseudomonas sp. WDE11 by a 22 central composite design method. The highest degradation of 80 ± 0.15% of 1.0% PCO was achieved at 2.53 g/L glucose and 8.18% inoculum, as optimized conditions. GC/MS analysis depicted the degradation of all major hydrocarbons present in PCO on comparing with abiotic control. This study indicates the potential of Pseudomonas sp. WDE11 in the eradication of petroleum pollution from the contaminated marine environment under nutrient-limited conditions.

Assessing the ecological impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons petroleum pollutants using a network toxicity model

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant petroleum pollutants that have long-term impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, assessing their toxicity presents challenges due to factors such as cost, time, and the need for comprehensive multi-component analysis methods. In this study, we utilized network toxicity models, enrichment analysis, and molecular docking to analyze the toxicity mechanisms of PAHs at different levels: compounds, target genes, pathways, and species. Additionally, we used the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) value and risk quotient (RQ) as an indicator for the potential ecological risk assessment of PAHs. The results showed that higher molecular weight PAHs had increased lipophilicity and higher toxicity. Benzo[a]pyrene and Fluoranthene were identified as core compounds, which increased the risk of cancer by affecting core target genes such as CCND1 in the human body, thereby influencing signal transduction and the immune system. In terms of biological species, PAHs had a greater toxic impact on aquatic organisms compared to terrestrial organisms. High molecular weight PAHs had lower effective concentrations on biological species, and the ecological risk was higher in the Yellow River Delta region. This research highlights the potential application of network toxicity models in understanding the toxicity mechanisms and species toxicity of PAHs and provides valuable insights for monitoring, prevention, and ecological risk assessment of these pollutants.

Urea addition as an enhanced strategy for degradation of petroleum contaminants during co-composting of straw and pig manure: Evidences from microbial community and enzyme activity evaluation

Alterations in microbial community succession patterns and enzyme activities by petroleum pollutants during co-composting of straw and swine manure with the supplementary nitrogen source are unclear. In this study, urea was added into co-composting systems, and the removal performance of petroleum, microbial enzyme activity and community changes were investigated. Results showed that the polyphenol oxidase and catalase activities which were both related to the degradation of petroleum contaminants were accordingly increased from 20.65 to 30.31 U/g and from 171.87 to 231.86 U/g due to urea addition. The removal efficiency of petroleum contaminants in composting with urea increased from 45.06% to 82.29%. The addition of urea increased the diversity and abundance of petroleum-degrading microorganisms, and enhanced microbial linkages. This study provides a novel strategy for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon as well as a new insight into the effect of urea on both microbial processes and composting phases.

Production of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Metarhizium anisopliae fungus for the Treatment of Petroleum Pollutants in Water

In this study, a silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) was created using a biological technique from an extract of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. The characteristics of the prepared AgNPs were identified by utilizing the optical, ultraviolet, and infrared absorbance spectroscopy. The shape, size, and charge distribution on the particles were determined by using scanning electron microscopy and zeta voltage analysis. The analysis of biological activity of the silver nanoparticles showed its effectiveness in treating pollutants, as confirmed by the reduction of higher than 93% weight of crude oil in contaminated water samples. The crude oil mass was effectively transformed into the gelatinous mass that lacks consistency and emulsification. The chemical analysis of NP-treated and untreated crude oil- contaminated water samples was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC MASS). The results displayed the emergence of 55 graphic peaks, each of them indicating a chemical compound, in the control sample, while in the study sample, about 51 of these peaks disappeared and the area of the remaining 4 peaks was reduced. The silver nanoparticles' capability to maintain their effectiveness under cryogenic storage conditions for six months was tested and compared to that of the fungal isolation before the production of the silver nanoparticles. The results showed no significant changes in the shape, size, and efficiency of the silver nanoparticles in the treatment of oil pollutants in water. The results indicated the higher efficiency of the silver nanoparticles, as compared to chemicals, in treating petroleum pollutants as well as enhancing the solubility, emulsification, and degradation of hydrocarbons. In addition, the AgNPs are characterized by the availability of inexpensive, easy, fast to produce, and environmentally friendly production materials, as compared to the usage of chemical products that are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, expensive to produce, and highly accumulative in the ecosystem, i.e. environmentally unsafe.

Enhancing electrokinetic remediation of TPH-Cr(VI) co-contaminated soils with biochar-immobilized bacteria as biological permeable reactive barriers

The co-contamination soil caused by petroleum pollution poses a significant challenge for remediation. The complexity of pollution composition and interaction increases the difficulty of the remediation process. This study established a methodology that employs biochar-immobilized bacteria to enhance the electrokinetic (EK) remediation technique. A 25-day experiment was conducted in the laboratory to remediate co-contaminated soil with total petroleum hydrocarbons(TPH) (9252.51 mg/kg) and Cr (VI) (147.17 mg/kg). The results indicate that adding biochar-immobilized bacteria leads to the most effective remediation performance in the EK system. Compared to the standalone EK remediation, TPH removal efficiency increased by 22.57 %, and the removal rate of Cr (VI) increased by 53.15 %. The study also examined the response of microbial communities in the remediation system. The study results on microbial diversity reveal that introducing the EK system reduces the diversity of soil microbial communities. In contrast, incorporating biochar-immobilized bacteria impacts the microbial community structure in the soil, enhancing microbial communities’ stability. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of adding biochar-immobilized bacteria in enhancing EK remediation of co-contaminated soil and its impact on microbial community structure.

Conversion Mechanism of Organic Matter While Cleaning Oil‐Based Drilling Cuttings Using Surfactant‐Free Microemulsions

AbstractSurfactant‐free microemulsions (SFMEs) cleaning technology can effectively separate and recover petroleum pollutants from oil‐based drilling cuttings (OBDCs). The identification of the molecular composition of OBDCs is helpful to accurately grasp the conversion mechanism of organic matter. Therefore, the understanding of the mechanism of petroleum removal at the microscopic molecular level in the cleaning process needs to be further studied. The conversion mechanism of organic matter during the use of SFMEs to clean OBDCs was investigated by positive ion atmospheric pressure photoionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (+APPI FT‐ICR MS). The results show that the SFMEs cleaning technology can separate and recover CH and CHO organic matter in OBDCs, but there is still a small amount of organic matter with high molecular weight and unsaturated degree in OBDCs that has not been separated. The majority of this organic matter is CH, accounting for 91 %, and it is mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A total of 255 kinds of organic matter in 110# industrial white oil were detected in the recovered oil after treatment, accounting for more than 99 % of the total, which has a certain recoverable value. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the efficient degradation of OBDCs.

A comparative study for petroleum removal capacities of the bacterial consortia entrapped in sodium alginate, sodium alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol), and bushnell haas agar

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the degradation efficiencies of free and entrapped bacterial consortia (Staphylococcus capitis CP053957.1 and Achromobacter marplatensis MT078618.1) to different polymers such as Sodium Alginate (SA), Sodium Alginate/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (SA/PVA), and Bushnell Haas Agar (BHA). In addition to SA and SA/PVA, which are cost-effective, non-toxic and have different functional groups, BHA, which is frequently encountered in laboratory-scale studies but has not been used as an entrapment material until now. Based on these, the polymers with different surface morphologies and chemical compositions were analyzed by SEM and FT-IR. While the petroleum removal efficiency was higher with the entrapped bacterial consortia than with the free one, BHA-entrapped bacterial consortium enhanced the petroleum removal more than SA and SA/PVA. Accordingly, the degradation rate of bacterial consortia entrapped with BHA was 2.039 day−1, SA/PVA was 1.560, SA was 0.993, the half-life period of BHA-entrapped bacterial consortia is quite low (t1/2 = 0.339) compared with SA (t1/2 = 0.444) and SA/PVA (t1/2 = 0.697). The effects of the four main factors such as: amount of BHA (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 g), disc size (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 mm), inoculum concentration (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 mL), and incubation period on petroleum removal were also investigated. The maximum petroleum removal (94.5%) was obtained at ≥ 2.5 mL of bacterial consortium entrapped in 2 g BHA with a 7 mm disc size at 168 h and the results were also confirmed by statistical analysis. Although a decrease was observed during the reuse of bacterial consortium entrapped in BHA, the petroleum removal was still above 50% at 10th cycle. Based on GC-MS analysis, the removal capacity of BHA-entrapped consortium was over 90% for short-chain n-alkanes and 80% for medium-chain n-alkanes. Overall, the obtained data are expected to provide a potential guideline in cleaning up the large-scale oil pollution in the future. Since there has been no similar study investigating petroleum removal with the bacterial consortia entrapped with BHA, this novel entrapment material can potentially be used in the treatment of petroleum pollution in advanced remediation studies.