Integration of biosorption and biodegradation in a fed-batch mode for the enhanced crude oil remediation

Microbial bioremediation of oil-contaminated sites is still a challenge due to the slower rate and susceptibility of microbes to a higher concentration of oil. The poor bioavailability, hydrophobicity, and non-polar nature of oil slow down microbial biodegradation. In this study, biodegradation of crude oil is performed in fed-batch mode using an oil-degrader Pseudomonas aeruginosa to address the issue of substrate toxicity. The slower biodegradation was integrated with faster biosorption for effective oil remediation. Highly fibrous and porous sugarcane bagasse was surface modified with hydrophobic octyl groups to improve the surface-oil interactions. The microbe showed 2 folds enhanced oil degradation in the fed-batch study, which was further increased by 1·5 folds in the integrated biosorption coupled biodegradation approach. The biosorption-assisted biodegradation approach supported the microbial growth to 2 folds higher than the fed-batch study without biosorbent. The analysis of biosurfactant production indicated the 3 folds higher concentration in fed-batch modes as compared to batch study. In the integrated strategy, the concentration of contaminant (oil) reduces to quite a tolerable level to microbes, which improved effective metabolism and thus overall biodegradation. This study puts forward a promising strategy for improved degradation of hazardous hydrophobic contaminants in a sustainable, economic and eco-friendly manner.