effect of functional parameters on microbial characteristics in crude oil degradation
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In this research work contains experimental and theoretical data obtained from the results. The crude oil sample obtained in Niger Delta Area of Nigeria was subjected in isolation and identification of possible microorganism, present on it. The microorganisms were cultured and subject to different temperature effect of 20oC, 40oC, 60oC, 80oC and 100oC. The variation in temperature influences the crude composition and characteristic such as viscosity, density and surface tension. As the functional parameters changes the microbial activity changes as well in the bioreactor. The temperature of the bioreactor influence the viscosity, density, surface tension and microbial growth rate, most of the microorganisms in the bioreactor attain it optimum growth rate within the temperature of 40oC to 60oC. Comparing the experimental and theoretical data obtained shows a good match indicating that either the experimental or theoretical developed model can be used in monitoring and predicting the effect of temperature on biodegradation of crude oil. The various microorganisms used for this investigation include: pseudomonas alcaligenes, pseudomonas mendocina, pseudomonas stutzeri, pseudomonas veronica and pseudomonas putida and only pseudomonas alcaligenes withstand temperature above 80oC, indicating its effectiveness on enhancing bioremediation at high operating temperature. The mathematical model developed was used to establish the LinearWeaver Burk plot which was useful in determining the specific growth rate, maximum specific growth rate and the equilibrium constant.