Evaluation of oil degradation potential of micrococcus varians.

ABSTRACT

In the present study three bacterial isolates namely MJS1101, MJS1102 and MJS1103 were isolated and purified from oil contaminated soil sample. Oil degradation potential of all the three isolates was evaluated by studying their growth and protein profile while they were inoculated in Minimal salt media supplemented with 5% used engine oil for a period of 10 days. The isolate MJS1102 showed maximum growth (Quantified by OD at 600nm and enumeration on Nutrient agar plates) throughout the incubation period and also concentration of protein in the flask containing MJS1102 was found to be maximum throughout the incubation period thereby by giving an indication that the isolate was able to utilize the hydrocarbons present in used engine oil as a source of carbon and energy. Percentage oil degradation by the isolate was also calculated and it was found to be 84.41%.