Enhanced Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons: Role of Bioflocculants and Bioemulsifiers

摘要

Hydrocarbons are a major component of municipal and industrial waste streams. This study has concentrated on finding ways to enhance biological degradation of hydrocarbons. Surfactants were shown to promote the uptake of hydrocarbons by microorganisms. The beneficial effects of bioemulsifiers and bioflocculants were established and shown to be comparable with that of synthetic surfactants. Flocculation was found to play an important role. It aids hydrocarbon uptake and enhances cell growth, but when excessive, floc-resistance to nutrient transfer becomes rate-controlling. With appropriate additions of bioemulsifiers, bioflocculants and synthetic surfactants, flocculation could be controlled and growth characteristics modified to take advantages of both high growth rates and better dewatering.