Biodegradation of crude oil in soil slurry phase by Nocardia sp.

Biodegradation potential of crude oil has been studied in liquid and soil slurry culture. Studies were performed to optimize the factors affecting metabolic activity. Arabian Light(sulfur content 1%) was used as a representative crude oil and Nocardia sp. was selected as an oil degrading microorganism based on its ability to degrade and emulsify Effects of various nutritional and environmental conditions as well as emulsification and surface tension were observed. Tentative optimization of environmental and nutritional condition were as follow; pH 8, sodium nitrate as inorganic nitrogen source, yeast extract 0.05%, phosphate concentration 0.25% and glucose addition of 1.0% (w/v basis), extent of degradation to 78 %.