THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS SUPPLEMENTATION ON CRUDE-OIL DEGRADATION BY STREPTOMYCES-VIRIDOSPORUS T7A

A laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the optimal cultural pa rameters for light crude oil degradation by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A. Rates of crude oil biodegradation were measured by gravimetric an alysis method. The parameters studied were incubation temperature, min eral nutrients and pH. Crude oil biodegradation by the organism was at 37 degrees C, nitrogen/phosphorous concentrations of 0.5%:0.4% respec tively and a pH of 6.8. Lower temperature had a depressing effect on b iodegradation of the crude oil as a lag period of three days before th e commencement of measurable biodegradation was observed. Similarly, l ower levels of mineral nutrients and high acidic pH had a depressing e ffect on crude oil biodegradation by the organism.