Immobilization of Bacteria in Natural Fiber to Remediate the Crude Oil Contamination – A Laboratory Scale

Abstract

A chronic environmental threat, crude oil contamination calls for creative and long-lasting remedial techniques. In order to improve bioremediation capacities on a laboratory scale, the present research investigates the effectiveness of immobilizing a group of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria inside natural fibers. The bacteria isolated that may capable of breaking down crude oil are characterized and analyzed for degradation purposes. In-depth, the growth kinetics study was conducted for 30 hours shows better stability and growth of the isolated bacteria. To immobilize the strains the natural fiber were used as a bio-carrier to carry out the experiment. The adherence of consortium was confirmed through High-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM) analysis. In order to understand the efficiency and pathways of hydrocarbon degradation, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) is used to examine the components which showed 31.70% degradation by the consortium. For extended periods, natural fibers maintain the sustainability of bacteria and metabolic activity by acting as a supporting matrix. The study emphasizes how this immobilization technique can increase bioremediation efficiency and is a viable way to reduce crude oil pollution in a variety of environmental settings. This study highlights the potential of natural fiber-immobilized consortia as an economical and environmentally friendly alternative that advances sustainable bioremediation technology.