Screening and characterization of biosurfactant producers from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated marine sources in North Atlantic Canada for oil spill responses

Cai, Qinhong (2014) Screening and characterization of biosurfactant producers from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated marine sources in North Atlantic Canada for oil spill responses. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

As one of the oil spill responses, oil dispersion was found effective in open sea and under harsh conditions. However, currently used chemical surfactant-based dispersants may harm the environment due to the toxicity and persistency. Thus novel, environmentally friendly biosurfactant-based dispersants are desired. Biosurfactants are less toxic, biodegradable, and can be biologically produced. Their establishment is impeded by a lack of economic and versatile products. Discovery of new biosurfactant producers is the key to overcome the obstacles. This dissertation will thus fill the research gap through screening and characterization of biosurfactant producing microorganisms from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated marine sources in the North Atlantic Canada. Fifty-five biosurfactant producers belong to 8 genera were isolated. Some of the isolated strains were found with properties such as greatly reducing surface tension, stabilizing emulsion and producing flocculant. Three strains with interesting characteristics and limited relevant publications were selected for genetype and phenotype characterization. The strains, the products and the bioprocess can be of great value to both scientific understanding and the environmental applications in offshore oil spill responses.

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