SCREENING OF BIOSURFACTANT PRODUCING BACTERIA FROM HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED SOIL
Tri Handayani Kurniati, Sri Rahayu, Dalia Sukmawati, Wury Maharani
Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Jakarta State University.
Jl, Rawamangun Muka, Rawamangun,. East Jakarta 13220. Indonesia
Abstract
Biosurfactants are surface-active molecule produced by microorganisms and have several advantages over the chemical surfactants. The objective of this research was to obtain biosurfactant-producing bacteria from hydrocarbon contaminated soils in Jakarta Bay and to observe their biosurfactant activity through emulsification capacity and surface tension reduction capability. Overall, 19 isolates were screened for biosurfactant production by hemolysis assay, drop collapse assay and oil spreading assay. The result showed that 12 strains gave positive results on the screening tests and were determined as biosurfactant-producing bacteria. Three strains (TKY 3, TKY 14 and TKY 19) had the best biosurfactant activity. Isolate TKY 3 has the best emulsification index (E24) with a value 57±0,57%, while the lowest surface tension value was achieved by two strains ( TKY 19 and TKY 14 ) with the same value of 37,84±1,45 mN/m.
Keywords: bacteria; biosurfactant; emulsification; screening; surface tension
Topic: Biology