Abstract / Excerpt:

The study was conducted to determine the Bunker C fuel hydrocarbon-degrading activities of marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Nine (9) liters of less polluted seawater were collected in Talikud, Island approximately 150 meters away from the shore. Three aerated set-ups were prepared for testing the efficacy of the microbes in degrading the Bunker C fuel. Set-up A comprises 3L of sterile seawater and 3mL of Bunker C fuel. As for set-up B, it comprises of 3L untreated seawater and 3mL of Bunker C fuel. Lastly, set-up C comprises of the hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria treated seawater and 3 mL of Bunker C fuel. The bioremediation process took place in a span of four (4) weeks. The Bunker C fuel from the three set-ups were removed and subjected to three spectral readings of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) Analysis. Pure Bunker C fuel was also subjected to FT-IR analysis for comparison to the three samples. The spectroscopy of Set-up A and B showed emergence of the hydroxyl group while Set-up C showed both the hydroxyl group and carbonyl groups. This would indicate preliminary signs of degradation. Set-up C is the most efficient in degrading the Bunker C fuel due to the formation of the carboxylic acid catalyzed by the dehydrogenase enzyme produced by the hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. This signified that it was able to reach the farthest point in the degradation pathway of alkanes. Increasing the bioremediation period would exhibit a more conclusive data and degradation of Bunker C fuel by the hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. Furthermore, identification of the bacteria would give a better understanding on the mechanism used in degrading the Bunker C fuel.

Info

Source Institution	Ateneo de Davao University
Unit	Natural Science and Mathematics
Authors	Aller, Justine Mariel R., Cruz, Alqueen Anne B., Salcedo, Michelle Dianne M., Saplagio, Gregorio G. III.
Page Count	73
Place of Publication	Davao City
Original Publication Date	March 1, 2015
Tags	Biology, Feasibility Studies

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