Abstract

MICROBIAL SOLUTIONS FOR OIL SPILLS: BIOSURFACTANT PRODUCTION AND APPLICATIONS

A. L. T. Kalyani*, U. Veda Sai Manogna, P. Lakshmi Soujanya, M. Mohana Lakshmi, S. Tejaswini and T. Sri Nikitha

ABSTRACT

Biosurfactants, biologically derived surface-active agents, are gaining traction in commercial applications due to their environmentally friendly properties that set them apart from traditional chemical surfactants. This study focuses on the isolation and screening of biosurfactant-producing bacteria from oil-contaminated soils, with the goal of identifying microbial strains that can be utilized for sustainable bioremediation. We employed various biochemical assays, including hemolytic activity, drop-collapse tests, and emulsification indices, to pinpoint effective biosurfactant producers that facilitate oil degradation. The findings highlight the numerous advantages of biosurfactants, such as their biodegradability, low toxicity, and applicability across diverse sectors, including food, cosmetics, and Biosurfactants, biologically derived surface-active agents, are gaining traction in commercial applications due to their environmentally friendly properties that set them apart from traditional chemical surfactants. This study focuses on the isolation and screening of biosurfactant-producing bacteria from oil-contaminated soils, with the goal of identifying microbial strains that can be utilized for sustainable bioremediation. We employed various biochemical assays, including hemolytic activity, drop-collapse tests, and emulsification indices, to pinpoint effective biosurfactant producers that facilitate oil degradation. The findings highlight the numerous advantages of biosurfactants, such as their biodegradability, low toxicity, and applicability across diverse sectors, including food, cosmetics, and 

Keywords: Biosurfactants, Isolation, Screening, Bacteria, Oil-contaminated soils, Bioremediation.