Abstract

This study investigated the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by marine bacterial isolates obtained from Paotere Port. The objective was to assess the efficacy of these isolates in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons using gas chroma- tography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) along with emulsification index and surface tension tests. The experiments were con- ducted in a microcosm designed to simulate the bacteria's natural environment, incorporating sediment, natural seawater (ALN), and petroleum. Emulsification index and surface tension measurements were taken every five days. On the 30th day of incuba- tion, a qualitative analysis using GC-MS was performed to evaluate the extent of hydrocarbon degradation. The highest emulsi- fication index recorded was 53.84%, while the lowest surface tension observed was 22.16 dyne/cm. GC-MS chromatograms revealed significant hydrocarbon degradation, as indicated by the breakdown of carbon chains in the sample compared to the control. The bacterial isolates from Paotere Port demonstrated the capability to degrade carbon chains up to C150. These find- ings demonstrate the potential of petroleum-degrading bacteria from Paotere Port as effective bioremediation agents.