Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 480 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Nallapan Maniyam M, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, Cass AE
    J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2013;59(6):393-404.
    PMID: 24492598
    A Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M isolate was shown to detoxify cyanide successfully, suggesting the presence of an intrinsic property in the bacterium which required no prior cyanide exposure for induction of this property. However, in order to promote growth, Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M was fully acclimatized to cyanide after 7 successive subcultures in 0.1 mM KCN for 30 days. To further shorten the lag phase and simultaneously increase the tolerance towards higher cyanide concentrations, the bacterium was induced with various nitrile compounds sharing a similar degradatory pathway to cyanide. Acetonitrile emerged as the most favored inducer and the induced cells were able to degrade 0.1 mM KCN almost completely within 18 h. With the addition of subsequent aliquots of 0.1 mM KCN a shorter period for complete removal of cyanide was required, which proved to be advantageous economically. Both resting cells and crude enzyme of Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M were able to biodegrade cyanide to ammonia and formate without the formation of formamide, implying the identification of a simple hydrolytic cyanide degradation pathway involving the enzyme cyanidase. Further verification with SDS-PAGE revealed that the molecular weight of the active enzyme was estimated to be 38 kDa, which is consistent with previously reported cyanidases. Since the recent advancement in the application of biological methods in treating cyanide-bearing wastewater has been promising, the discovery of this new bacterium will add value by diversifying the existing microbial populations capable of cyanide detoxification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  2. Maniyam MN, Ibrahim AL, Cass AEG
    Environ Technol, 2020 Jan;41(1):71-85.
    PMID: 29923786 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2018.1491634
    In the present study, locally isolated Rhodococcus strains were attempted as biological tools for methyl red removal, a mutagenic azo dye posing threat to the environment if left untreated. Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 demonstrated superior methyl red-decolourizing activity of 100% after 24 h at static condition in comparison to Rhodococcus strain UCC 0008 which recorded 65% decolourization after 72 h. Optimization of physicochemical parameters at 30°C, pH 7 and supplementing glucose as the carbon source resulted in improved methyl red-decolourizing activity at static condition and reduced the time taken to achieve complete decolourization by 80%. Higher concentration of methyl red (5 g/L) was able to be decolourized completely within 10 h by adopting the technology of immobilization. The encapsulated cells of Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 demonstrated higher substrate affinity (Km = 0.6995 g/L) and an accelerated rate of disappearance of methyl red (Vmax = 0.3203 g/L/h) compared to the free cells. Furthermore, the gellan gum beads could be reused up to nine batches without substantial loss in the catalytic activity indicating the economic importance of this protocol. Analysis of methyl red degradation products revealed no germination inhibition on Triticum aestivum and Vigna radiata demonstrating complete toxicity removal of the parent dye after biological treatment. The occurrence of new and altered peaks (UV-Vis and FTIR) further supported the notion that the removal of methyl red by Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 was indeed through biodegradation. Therefore, this strain has a huge potential as a candidate for efficient bioremediation of wastewater containing methyl red.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  3. Maniyam MN, Ibrahim AL, Cass AEG
    Environ Technol, 2019 Jan;40(3):386-398.
    PMID: 29032742 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1393015
    The capability of the crude extract of Rhodococcus UKMP-5M was enhanced by adopting the technology of immobilization. Among the matrices screened to encapsulate the crude extract, gellan gum emerged as the most suitable immobilization material, exceeding the activity of cyanide-degrading enzyme by 61% and 361% in comparison to alginate carrier and non-immobilized crude extract, respectively. Improved bead mechanical strength which supported higher biocatalyst activity by 63% was observed when concentration of gellan gum, concentration of calcium chloride, number of beads and bead size were optimized. The immobilized crude extract demonstrated higher tolerance towards broad range of pH (5-10) and temperature (30°C-40°C), superior cyanide-degrading activity over time and improved storage stability by maintaining 76% of its initial activity after 30 days at 4°C. Furthermore, repeated use of the gellan gum beads up to 20 batches without substantial loss in the catalytic activity was documented in the present study, indicating that the durability of the beads and the stability of the enzyme are both above adequate. Collectively, the findings reported here revealed that the utilization of the encapsulated crude extract of Rhodococcus UKMP-5M can be considered as a novel attempt to develop an environmentally favourable and financially viable method in cyanide biodegradation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  4. Nesan D, Chan DJC
    Int J Phytoremediation, 2021;23(14):1519-1524.
    PMID: 33913777 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2021.1915955
    One of the challenges of integrating phytoremediation into a waste treatment system is the sensitivity of plant species to fluctuations in environmental conditions and the difficulty in estimating subsequent changes to their rates of uptake. In this study, we examine a method using the exponential decay equation to approximate the median uptake rate (MUR) of nutrients for three aquatic macrophyte species, Salvinia molesta, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Lemna minor. These MUR values were then used to directly evaluate the phytoremediation performance between species and at varying levels of salinity stress. The results of this study indicate that an exponential decay relationship produced the most accurate models of the nutrient uptake profile for each species, with highest correlation values in 74.1% of tests for the three species at increasing salinity over a period of 14 d. S. polyrhiza and L. minor began to show significant reductions in nutrient uptake and growth at salinity concentration above 10 g/L. Using MUR, direct comparisons can be made between species in a time and mass-independent manner, allowing for the rapid assessment of phytoremediation performance under conditions of increasing salinity stress. Novelty statementIn this study, we propose the use of an exponential decay model and the use of median uptake rate (MUR) obtained from the model coefficients as a method for directly comparing species performance under different conditions. Subsequently, we show how the use of MUR values obtained from three species of aquatic macrophytes allows for the direct comparison of species performance under increasing salinity stress. The method proposed in this study would improve the ability for easy comparison between species performance under varying environmental conditions. Future works could further build on the parameters proposed in this study and optimize the performance of phytoremediation systems developed for nutrient-affected wastewater management. This study is especially beneficial to phytoremediation researchers and environmental engineers who are implementing or designing macrophyte phytoremediation systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  5. Ng YS, Chan DJC
    Int J Phytoremediation, 2018;20(12):1179-1186.
    PMID: 29053371 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2017.1375895
    Macrophytes have been used to mitigate eutrophication and upgrade effluent quality via their nutrient removal capability. However, the available data are influenced by factors such as microbial activities, weather, and wastewater quality, making comparison between nutrient removal performance of different macrophytes almost impossible. In this study, phytoremediation by Spirodela polyrhiza, Salvinia molesta and Lemna sp. were carried out axenically in synthetic wastewater under controlled condition to precisely evaluate nutrient removal efficiency of NO3--N, PO43-, NH3-N, COD and pH in the water sample. The results showed that ammonia removal was rapid, significant for S. polyrhiza and Lemna sp., with efficiency of 60% and 41% respectively within 2 days. S. polyrhiza was capable of reducing 30% of the nitrate. Lemna sp. achieved the highest phosphate reduction of 86% at day 12 to mere 1.07 mg/L PO43--P. Correlation was found between COD and TC, suggesting the release of organic substances by macrophytes into the medium. All the macrophytes showed biomass increment. S. polyrhiza outperformed other macrophytes in nutrient removal despite lower biomass production. The acquired nutrient removal profiles can serve as a guideline for the selection of suitable macrophytes in wastewater treatment and to evaluate microbial activity in non-aseptic phytoremediation system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  6. Goh KM, Kahar UM, Chai YY, Chong CS, Chai KP, Ranjani V, et al.
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2013 Feb;97(4):1475-88.
    PMID: 23324802 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4663-2
    The Bacillaceae family members are a good source of bacteria for bioprocessing and biotransformation involving whole cells or enzymes. In contrast to Bacillus and Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus is a relatively new genus that was proposed in the year 2000. Because these bacteria are alkali-tolerant thermophiles, they are suitable for many industrial applications. More than a decade after the first report of Anoxybacillus, knowledge accumulated from fundamental and applied studies suggests that this genus can serve as a good alternative in many applications related to starch and lignocellulosic biomasses, environmental waste treatment, enzyme technology, and possibly bioenergy production. This current review provides the first summary of past and recent discoveries regarding the isolation of Anoxybacillus, its medium requirements, its proteins that have been characterized and cloned, bioremediation applications, metabolic studies, and genomic analysis. Comparisons to some other members of Bacillaceae and possible future applications of Anoxybacillus are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  7. Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Ang GY, How KY, et al.
    J Biotechnol, 2016 Jan 10;217:51-2.
    PMID: 26603120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.11.009
    Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T) is a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium isolated from rhizosphere soils of a sesame plant. Here, we present the first complete genome of P. thiooxydans DSM 25325(T). Several genes involved in thiosulfate oxidation and biodegradation of aromatic compounds were identified.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  8. See-Too WS, Ee R, Lim YL, Convey P, Pearce DA, Mohidin TBM, et al.
    Stand Genomic Sci, 2017;12:52.
    PMID: 28904741 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-017-0264-0
    Arthrobacter alpinus R3.8 is a psychrotolerant bacterial strain isolated from a soil sample obtained at Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, close to the Antarctic Peninsula. Strain R3.8 was sequenced in order to help discover potential cold active enzymes with biotechnological applications. Genome analysis identified various cold adaptation genes including some coding for anti-freeze proteins and cold-shock proteins, genes involved in bioremediation of xenobiotic compounds including naphthalene, and genes with chitinolytic and N-acetylglucosamine utilization properties and also plant-growth-influencing properties. In this genome report, we present a complete genome sequence of A. alpinus strain R3.8 and its annotation data, which will facilitate exploitation of potential novel cold-active enzymes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  9. Show PL, Tang MS, Nagarajan D, Ling TC, Ooi CW, Chang JS
    Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Jan 22;18(1).
    PMID: 28117737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010215
    Microalgae contribute up to 60% of the oxygen content in the Earth's atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Microalgae are abundantly available in the natural environment, thanks to their ability to survive and grow rapidly under harsh and inhospitable conditions. Microalgal cultivation is environmentally friendly because the microalgal biomass can be utilized for the productions of biofuels, food and feed supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. The cultivation of microalgal also can complement approaches like carbon dioxide sequestration and bioremediation of wastewaters, thereby addressing the serious environmental concerns. This review focuses on the factors affecting microalgal cultures, techniques adapted to obtain high-density microalgal cultures in photobioreactors, and the conversion of microalgal biomass into biofuels. The applications of microalgae in carbon dioxide sequestration and phycoremediation of wastewater are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  10. Shazmin, Ahmad SA, Naqvi TA, Munis MFH, Javed MT, Chaudhary HJ
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2023 Mar 31;39(6):141.
    PMID: 37000294 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03575-7
    Widespread and inadequate use of Monocrotophos has led to several environmental issues. Biodegradation is an ecofriendly method used for detoxification of toxic monocrotophos. In the present study, Msd2 bacterial strain was isolated from the cotton plant growing in contaminated sites of Sahiwal, Pakistan. Msd2 is capable of utilizing the monocrotophos (MCP) organophosphate pesticide as its sole carbon source for growth. Msd2 was identified as Brucella intermedia on the basis of morphology, biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing. B. intermedia showed tolerance of MCP up to 100 ppm. The presence of opd candidate gene for pesticide degradation, gives credence to B. intermedia as an effective bacterium to degrade MCP. Screening of the B. intermedia strain Msd2 for plant growth promoting activities revealed its ability to produce ammonia, exopolysaccharides, catalase, amylase and ACC-deaminase, and phosphorus, zinc and potassium solubilization. The optimization of the growth parameters (temperatures, shaking rpm, and pH level) of the MCP-degrading isolate was carried out in minimal salt broth supplemented with MCP. The optimal pH, temperature, and rpm for Msd2 growth were observed as pH 6, 35 °C, and 120 rpm, respectively. Based on optimization results, batch degradation experiment was performed. Biodegradation of MCP by B. intermedia was monitored using HPLC and recorded 78% degradation of MCP at 100 ppm concentration within 7 days of incubation. Degradation of MCP by Msd2 followed the first order reaction kinetics. Plant growth promoting and multi-stress tolerance ability of Msd2 was confirmed by molecular analysis. It is concluded that Brucella intermedia strain Msd2 could be beneficial as potential biological agent for an effective bioremediation for polluted environments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  11. Singh J, Kumar V, Kumar P, Kumar P, Yadav KK, Cabral-Pinto MMS, et al.
    Water Environ Res, 2021 Sep;93(9):1543-1553.
    PMID: 33565675 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1536
    The present study describes the phytoremediation performance of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) for physicochemical pollutants elimination from paper mill effluent (PME). For this, pot (glass aquarium) experiments were conducted using 0% (BWW: borewell water), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% treatments of PME under natural day/light regime. Results of the experiments showed that the highest removal of pH (10.75%), electrical conductivity (EC: 63.82%), total dissolved solids (TDS: 71.20%) biological oxygen demand (BOD: 85.03%), chemical oxygen demand (COD: 80.46%), total Kjeldahl's nitrogen (TKN: 93.03%), phosphorus (P: 85.56%), sodium (Na: 91.89%), potassium (K: 84.04%), calcium (Ca: 84.75%), and magnesium (Mg: 83.62%), most probable number (MPN: 77.63%), and standard plate count (SPC: 74.43%) was noted in 75% treatment of PME after treatment by P. stratiotes. PCA showed the best vector length for TKN, Na, and Ca. The maximum plant growth parameters including, total fresh biomass (81.30 ± 0.28 g), chlorophyll content (3.67 ± 0.05 mg g-1  f.wt), and relative growth rate (0.0051 gg-1  d-1 ) was also measured in 75% PME treatment after phytoremediation experiments. The findings of this study make useful insight into the biological management of PME through plant-based pollutant eradication while leftover biomass may be used as a feedstock for low-cost bioenergy production. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Biological treatment of paper mill effluent using water lettuce is presented. Best reduction of physicochemical and microbiological pollutants was attained in 75% treatment. Maximum production of chlorophyll, plant biomass, and highest growth rate was also observed in 75% treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  12. Ekeoma BC, Ekeoma LN, Yusuf M, Haruna A, Ikeogu CK, Merican ZMA, et al.
    J Biotechnol, 2023 Jun 10;369:14-34.
    PMID: 37172936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.05.003
    The issue of environmental pollution has been worsened by the emergence of new contaminants whose morphology is yet to be fully understood . Several techniques have been adopted to mitigate the pollution effects of these emerging contaminants, and bioremediation involving plants, microbes, or enzymes has stood out as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. Enzyme-mediated bioremediation is a very promising technology as it exhibits better pollutant degradation activity and generates less waste. However, this technology is subject to challenges like temperature, pH, and storage stability, in addition to recycling difficulty as it is arduous to isolate them from the reaction media. To address these challenges, the immobilization of enzymes has been successfully applied to ameliorate the activity, stability, and reusability of enzymes. Although this has significantly increased the uses of enzymes over a wide range of environmental conditions and facilitated the use of smaller bioreactors thereby saving cost, it still comes with additional costs for carriers and immobilization. Additionally, the existing immobilization methods have their individual limitations. This review provides state-of-the-art information to readers focusing on bioremediation using enzymes. Different parameters such as: the sustainability of biocatalysts, the ecotoxicological evaluation of transformation contaminants, and enzyme groups used were reviewed. The efficacy of free and immobilized enzymes, materials and methods for immobilization, bioreactors used, challenges to large-scale implementation, and future research needs were thoroughly discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  13. Crystal Thew XE, Lo SC, Ramanan RN, Tey BT, Huy ND, Chien Wei O
    Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2024 May;44(3):477-494.
    PMID: 36788704 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2170861
    Plastic biodegradation has emerged as a sustainable approach and green alternative in handling the ever-increasing accumulation of plastic wastes in the environment. The complete biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate is one of the most recent breakthroughs in the field of plastic biodegradation. Despite the success, the effective and complete biodegradation of a wide variety of plastics is still far from the practical implementation, and an on-going effort has been mainly devoted to the exploration of novel microorganisms and enzymes for plastic biodegradation. However, alternative strategies which enhance the existing biodegradation process should not be neglected in the continuous advancement of this field. Thus, this review highlights various strategies which have shown to improve the biodegradation of plastics, which include the pretreatment of plastics using UV irradiation, thermal, or chemical treatments to increase the susceptibility of plastics toward microbial action. Alternative pretreatment strategies are also suggested and compared with the existing techniques. Besides, the effects of additives such as pro-oxidants, natural polymers, and surfactants on plastic biodegradation are discussed. In addition, considerations governing the biodegradation performance, such as the formulation of biodegradation medium, cell-free biocatalysis, and physico-chemical properties of plastics, are addressed. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects for the advancement of plastic biodegradation are also highlighted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  14. Sajab MS, Chia CH, Zakaria S, Jani SM, Ayob MK, Chee KL, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Aug;102(15):7237-43.
    PMID: 21620692 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.05.011
    Chemically modified kenaf core fibres were prepared via esterification in the presence of citric acid (CA). The adsorption kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out under different conditions to examine the adsorption efficiency of CA-treated kenaf core fibres towards methylene blue (MB). The adsorption capacity of the kenaf core fibres increased significantly after the citric acid treatment. The values of the correlation coefficients indicated that the Langmuir isotherm fitted the experimental data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of the CA-treated kenaf core fibres was found to be 131.6mg/g at 60°C. Kinetic models, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion, were employed to describe the adsorption mechanism. The kinetic data were found to fit pseudo-second-order model equation as compared to pseudo-first-order model. The adsorption of MB onto the CA-treated kenaf core fibres was spontaneous and endothermic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  15. Poh PE, Chong MF
    Bioresour Technol, 2009 Jan;100(1):1-9.
    PMID: 18657414 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.06.022
    Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a highly polluting wastewater that pollutes the environment if discharged directly due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentration. Anaerobic digestion has been widely used for POME treatment with large emphasis placed on capturing the methane gas released as a product of this biodegradation treatment method. The anaerobic digestion method is recognized as a clean development mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto protocol. Certified emission reduction (CER) can be obtained by using methane gas as a renewable energy. This review aims to discuss the various anaerobic treatments of POME and factors that influence the operation of anaerobic treatment. The POME treatment at both mesophilic and thermophilic temperature ranges are also analyzed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  16. Tan KY, Dutta A, Tan TK, Hari R, Othman RY, Choo SW
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e9733.
    PMID: 32953261 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9733
    Background: Paraburkholderia fungorum (P. fungorum) is a Gram-negative environmental species that has been commonly used as a beneficial microorganism in agriculture as an agent for biocontrol and bioremediation. Its use in agriculture is controversial as many people believe that it could harm human health; however, there is no clear evidence to support.

    Methodology: The pangolin P. fungorum (pangolin Pf) genome has a genomic size of approximately 7.7 Mbps with N50 of 69,666 bps. Our study showed that pangolin Pf is a Paraburkholderia fungorum supported by evidence from the core genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis and the ANI analysis. Functional analysis has shown that the presence of a considerably large number of genes related to stress response, virulence, disease, and defence. Interestingly, we identified different types of secretion systems in the genome of pangolin Pf, which are highly specialized and responsible for a bacterium's response to its environment and in physiological processes such as survival, adhesion, and adaptation. The pangolin Pf also shared some common virulence genes with the known pathogenic member of the Burkholderiales. These genes play important roles in adhesion, motility, and invasion.

    Conclusion: This study may provide better insights into the functions, secretion systems and virulence of this pangolin-associated bacterial strain. The addition of this genome sequence is also important for future comparative analysis and functional work of P. fungorum.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  17. Chu, Wan-Loy
    MyJurnal
    Microalgae are important biological resources that have a wide range of biotechnological
    applications. Due to their high nutritional value, microalgae such as Spirulina and Chlorella are being mass cultured for health food. A variety of high-value products including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), pigments such as carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, and bioactive compounds are useful as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, as well as for industrial applications. In terms of environmental biotechnology, microalgae are useful for bioremediation of agro-industrial wastewater, and as a biological tool for assessment and monitoring of environmental toxicants such as heavy metals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, microalgae have attracted much interest due to their potential use as feedstock for biodiesel production. In Malaysia, there has been active research on microalgal biotechnology for the past 30 years, tapping into the potential of our
    rich microalgal resources for high-value products and applications in wastewater treatment and assessment of environmental toxicants. A culture collection of microalgae has been established, and this serves as an important resource for microalgal biotechnology
    research. Microalgal biotechnology should continue to be regarded as a priority area of research in this country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  18. Khan MA, Ngabura M, Choong TS, Masood H, Chuah LA
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;103(1):35-42.
    PMID: 22055093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.09.065
    Biosorption potential of mustard oil cake (MOC) for Ni(II) from aqueous medium was studied. Spectroscopic studies showed possible involvement of acidic (hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl) groups in biosorption. Optimum biosorption was observed at pH 8. Contact time, reaction temperature, biosorbent dose and adsorbate concentration showed significant influence. Linear and non-linear isotherms comparison suggests applicability of Temkin model at 303 and 313 K and Freundlich model at 323K. Kinetics studies revealed applicability of Pseudo-second-order model. The process was endothermic and spontaneous. Freundlich constant (n) and activation energy (Ea) values confirm physical nature of the process. The breakthrough and exhaustive capacities for 5 mg/L initial Ni(II) concentration were 0.25 and 4.5 mg/g, while for 10 mg/L initial Ni(II) concentration were 4.5 and 9.5 mg/g, respectively. Batch desorption studies showed maximum Ni(II) recovery in acidic medium. Regeneration studies by batch and column process confirmed reutilization of biomass without appreciable loss in biosorption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
  19. Idris J, Eyu GD, Mansor AM, Ahmad Z, Chukwuekezie CS
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:638687.
    PMID: 24693241 DOI: 10.1155/2014/638687
    Oil spill constitutes a major source of fresh and seawater pollution as a result of accidental discharge from tankers, marine engines, and underwater pipes. Therefore, the need for cost-effective and environmental friendly sorbent materials for oil spill cleanup cannot be overemphasized. The present work focuses on the preliminary study of empty palm fruit bunch fibre as a promising sorbent material. The morphology of the unmodified empty palm fruit bunch, EPFB fibre, was examined using an optical microcopy, scanning electron microcopy coupled with EDX and X-ray diffraction. The effects of oil volume, fibre weight, and time on oil absorption of EPFB fibre were evaluated with new engine oil from the model oil. The results show that EPFB fibre consists of numerous micro pores, hydrophobic, and partially crystalline and amorphous with approximately 13.5% carbon. The oil absorbency of the fibre increased with the increase in oil volume, immersion time, and fibre weight. However, sorption capacity decreased beyond 3 g in 100 mL. Additionally unmodified EPFB fibre showed optimum oil sorption efficiency of approximately 2.8 g/g within three days of immersion time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental*
  20. Ismail S, Dadrasnia A
    PLoS One, 2015;10(4):e0120931.
    PMID: 25875763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120931
    Environmental contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons, mainly crude oil waste from refineries, is becoming prevalent worldwide. This study investigates the bioremediation of water contaminated with crude oil waste. Bacillus salamalaya 139SI, a bacterium isolated from a private farm soil in the Kuala Selangor in Malaysia, was found to be a potential degrader of crude oil waste. When a microbial population of 108 CFU ml-1 was used, the 139SI strain degraded 79% and 88% of the total petroleum hydrocarbons after 42 days of incubation in mineral salt media containing 2% and 1% of crude oil waste, respectively, under optimum conditions. In the uninoculated medium containing 1% crude oil waste, 6% was degraded. Relative to the control, the degradation was significantly greater when a bacteria count of 99 × 108 CFU ml-1 was added to the treatments polluted with 1% oil. Thus, this isolated strain is useful for enhancing the biotreatment of oil in wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links