Oil-degrading bacteria from a membrane bioreactor (BF-MBR) system for treatment of saline oily waste: Isolation, identification and characterization of the biotechnological potential

A collection of forty-two (42) strains was obtained during microbiological screening of a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system developed for the treatment of saline oily waste originated from marine transportation. The diversity of the bacterial collection was analyzed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Taxonomic analysis showed high level of identity with recognized sequences of seven (7) distinct bacterial genera (Alcanivorax, Erythrobacter, Marinobacter, Microbacterium, Muricauda, Rhodococcus and Rheinheimera). The biotechnological potential of the isolates was screened considering an important factor such as the biosurfactant production. In particular fourteen (14) biosurfactant producing bacteria were selected and further tested, for growth on crude oil and hydrocarbon degradation. Data obtained from this study confirmed the high activity of bacteria related to genera Alcanivorax (isolates MBR-B11 and MBR-G10), Rheinheimera (isolates MBR-H02 and MBR-H05), Rhodococcus (isolates MBR-F04 and MBR-G05) and Muricauda (isolate MBR-G04) and underline the possible application of these bacteria in remediation of saline oily waste water.