Journal of Bioremediation & Biodegradation

Abstrait

Growth Potential Assessment of Actinomycetes Isolated from Petroleum Contaminated Soil

Sudhir K Shekhar, Jai Godheja, Modi DR, Jyotsana K Peter

Uncontrolled release of hydrocarbon compounds that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and are potent immunotoxicants into soil and ground water poses a serious threat to human and animal health. Due to their extensive use, they cause serious environmental pollution which has drawn attention towards the research. In the present study total 134 indigenous actinomycetes isolates were obtained from different Petrol contaminated sites (N=40). Fifty one actinomycetes strains were able to grow on 5% crude oil containingineral salt Medium showingaximum growth at temperature 30°C and pH 7.5. They were identified on basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics as Streptomyces sp.1, Streptomyces sp.3, Streptomyces sp.2, Rhodococcus sp., Nocardia sp.2 and Nocardia sp.1. Isolates were tested for their growth potential on Mineral Salt Broth/Agar supplemented with hydrocarbons viz. Crude oil, Anthracene, Coronene, Napthacene, Acenapthene at concentrations 5%, 10% and 15% incubated for 5 days, 10 days and 15 days. All the isolates utilized the hydrocarbons as sole carbon and energy sources in an unequal rate thus suggesting genetic disimilarities in respect of oil degradation capabilities. The study clearly demonstrates that Gram-positive actinomycetes showed good growth potential on hydrocarbon as substrate and support its effective use in hydrocarbon degradation.