Optimization of Growth Conditions of Native Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacterial Consortium "HUBC" Obtained From Petroleum Pollutant Contaminated Sites

Studies on optimizing methodologies for bioremediation of petroleum pollutants are growing rapidly worldwide. This investigation is focused on optimizing growth conditions of hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial consortium (HUBC). It was found to be an efficient consortium for degradation of crude oil (K#X) among five con-sortia obtained from crude oil polluted sites of ONGC. Statistical analysis for HUBC growth parameters was performed using SPSS 16.0. All analysis were performed in triplicates and results are represented as mean ± standard deviation. Optimization studies for HUBC revealed that 3% v/v crude oil or 1% w/v glucose, pH 7.2, incubation at 37ºC at 180 rpm with 2% v/v inoculum as optimum conditions for its growth. To date 2% v/v crude oil concentration is reported for growth of hydrocarbon degraders. It has been concluded that "HUBC" is mesophilic, halo-tolerant and aerobic crude oil utilizer which can be useful for cleanup of hydrocarbon contaminated environments.