The degradation problem of petroleum products arises since hydrocarbon acts as an excellent
food source for a wide variety of microorganisms. Microbial activity leads to unacceptable level
of turbidity, corrosion of pipeline and souring of stored product. The present study emphasizes
the role of Bacillus cereus ACE4 on degradation of diesel and its influence on corrosion of API
5LX steel. A demonstrating bacterial strain ACE4 was isolated from corrosion products and 16S
rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that it has more than 99% similarity with B. cereus. The
biodegradation and corrosion studies revealed that B. cereus degraded the aliphatic protons and
aromatic protons in diesel and is capable of oxidizing ferrous/manganese into oxides. This is the first
report that discloses the involvement of manganese oxidizer B. cereus ACE4 on biodegradation of
diesel and its influence on corrosion in a tropical country pipeline.

Biodegradation and corrosion behaviorof manganese oxidizer Bacillus cereus ACE4in diesel transporting pipeline

Characterization of two novel strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on biodegradation of crude oil and its enzyme activities.

A highly efficient biomass-based adsorbent fabricated by graft copolymerization: Kinetics, isotherms, mechanism and coadsorption investigations for cationic dye and heavy metal.

The contamination of soil with organic pollutants has been accelerated by agricultural and industrial development and poses a major threat to global ecosystems and human health. Various chemical and physical techniques have been developed to remediate soils contaminated with organic pollutants, but challenges related to cost, efficacy, and toxic byproducts often limit their sustainability. Fortunately, phytoremediation, achieved through the use of plants and associated microbiomes, has shown great promise for tackling environmental pollution; this technology has been tested both in the laboratory and in the field. Plant–microbe interactions further promote the efficacy of phytoremediation, with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) often used to assist the remediation of organic pollutants. However, the efficiency of microbe-assisted phytoremediation can be impeded by (i) high concentrations of secondary toxins, (ii) the absence of a suitable sink for these toxins, (iii) nutrient limitations, (iv) the lack of continued release of microbial inocula, and (v) the lack of shelter or porous habitats for planktonic organisms. In this regard, biochar affords unparalleled positive attributes that make it a suitable bacterial carrier and soil health enhancer. We propose that several barriers can be overcome by integrating plants, PGPB, and biochar for the remediation of organic pollutants in soil. Here, we explore the mechanisms by which biochar and PGPB can assist plants in the remediation of organic pollutants in soils, and thereby improve soil health. We analyze the cost-effectiveness, feasibility, life cycle, and practicality of this integration for sustainable restoration and management of soil.

Punniyakotti Parthipan

Papers

Enhanced biodegradation of hydrophobic organic pollutants by the bacterial consortium: Impact of enzymes and biosurfactants.