Specialists from Kazan Federal University have developed an innovative method to combat soil contamination with oil. The use of surfactants (surfactants) secreted by bacteria makes it possible to effectively decompose petroleum products. Experiments have confirmed: the hydrocarbon content in the soil is reduced by 35% after the first application.
KFU scientists proposed using biosurfactants to restore soils contaminated with petroleum products. These substances, produced by bacteria, have unique properties: they reduce the surface tension of water and emulsify oil, turning it into tiny particles that are easily processed by microorganisms.
According to Liliya Biktasheva, senior lecturer at the Department of Biotechnology at the Institute of Ecology, Biotechnology and Environmental Management of KFU, the basis of the method was biodestructor bacteria. These microorganisms are capable of decomposing hydrocarbons, and surfactants significantly enhance their effect.
“When we add a surfactant to the soil, the oil emulsifies, making it easier for bacteria to access the contaminants. Thanks to this, the cleaning efficiency increases noticeably,” explains the scientist.
Laboratory tests have shown that the use of a 1% solution of biosurfactants isolated by bacteria of the genus Nocardiopsis, reduces the concentration of hydrocarbons in the soil by 35%. This discovery opens up new possibilities for sustainable land restoration.
Additionally, the researchers proposed using agricultural and food industry waste as nutrient substrates for bacteria. This approach not only simplifies the bioremediation process, but also reduces the cost of implementing the method.
The results of the work were published in a scientific journal Microbiology Research. Experts note that the technique has high potential for application in industry and the environment.
New developments at Kazan Federal University demonstrate how science can help combat one of the most complex environmental challenges. The use of biosurfactants is a step forward in creating technologies that can restore natural resources with minimal damage to the environment. Experts are confident that this innovation will find wide application in various regions where oil pollution is an acute problem.
Source: Neftegaz.RU, Department of Information Policy of KFU
photo: Liliya Biktasheva
