Microbial Biodegredation of Used Motor Oil on Concrete Surfaces

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of my project was to investigate the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to biodegrade used motor oil on concrete surfaces. Methods/Materials Used motor oil was collected from the Conejo 76 union station on T.O. Blvd and analyzed for composition using infrared spectroscopy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cultured in tryptic soy broth, and used oil dried on six 6x6 inch concrete pavers were used for a pilot study. 128 concrete pavers with dried used motor oil, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture, were used in the experimental phase (independent samples t-test). Modified EPA Method 1664, Revision A used to quantify oil and grease content in simulated rainwater runoff samples. Results The mean PPM of oil and grease content in water for the Control [No Exposure to P. aeruginosa] samples [M = 205.36, SD = 168.75, n = 49] was higher than that for the Cases [48 hrs. Exposure to P. aeruginosa] samples [M = 201.90, SD = 160.64, n = 42]. Due to humidity error, 39 samples were lost and results are not statistically significant, however, the use of P. aeruginosa did show a positive result. Conclusions/Discussion P. aeruginosa has shown to have positive environmental implications for removal of unwanted automobile fluids. The small difference detected in the oil and grease in the water runoff will be amplified in a major metropolitan setting. Additionally, the visual oil stain and residue was lessened in the days following P. aeruginosa exposure. These findings may be of significant interest to environmental scientists.

Competition history

• CSEF 2017 Environmental Engineering · Entry S1111

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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