Biosurfactant-producing and anthracene-degrading bacteria from oil contaminated soil

Anthracene, together with other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is a persistent and toxic soil contaminant because its low water solubility and high hydrophobicity. The effectiveness of PAH degradation could be enhanced by using biosurfactant. In this study, we isolated bacteria that were able to degrade anthracene and also produce biosurfactant. Samples were taken from oil contaminated soil at Jakarta Bay. Isolation was done in a Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) supplemented with 1% crude oil. Screening methods for biosurfactant production include Blood Hemolysis, Drop Collapse Assay and Oil Displacement Assay. Three isolates which have biosurfactant production and anthracene degradation capability was identified based on 16SrRNA gene. These isolates were identified as Ochrobactrum intermedium AMA9, Ochrobactrum tritici CHA60, and Pseudomonas stutzeri CRA7. Based on GC-MS analysis, Ochrobactrum intermedium AMA9 showed high ability to degrade 84,79% anthracene in liquid MSM medium supplemented by 100 ppm anthracene after seven days incubation.