Isolation and characterization of psychrotrophic bacteria from oil-reservoir water and oil sands

• Published in: Applied microbiology and biotechnology 2001-06, Vol.55 (6), p.794-800
• Main Authors: KATO, T, HARUKI, M, IMANAKA, T, MORIKAWA, M, KANAYA, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aromatic hydrocarbons; Arthrobacter; Bacteria; Biodegradation of pollutants; Biological and medical sciences; Biology of microorganisms of confirmed or potential industrial interest; Bioremediation; Biotechnology; Environment and pollution; Esters; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrocarbons; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Isolation and description; Japan; Low temperature; Mission oriented research; Oil sands; Reservoirs; Shewanella; tributyrin
• ISSN: 0175-7598; 1432-0614
• DOI: 10.1007/s002530000556

Four psychrotrophic strains, which grew at 4 °C but not at 37 °C, were isolated from Japanese oil-reservoir water (strains SIB1, SIC1, SIS1) and Canadian oil sands (strain CAB1). Strains SIB1, SIS1, and CAB1 had a maximum growth rate at 20 °C and grew to the highest cell densities at the cultivation temperature of 0-4 °C. Strain SIS1 was capable of growing even at -5 °C. The growth profile of strain SIC1 was rather similar to that of a mesophilic bacterium. Strains SIB1, SIC1, and SIS1 were identified as members of the genus Shewanella, and strain CAB1 was a member of the genus Arthrobacter. All these strains exhibited weak degradation ability against catechol, a hydroxylated aromatic hydrocarbon, and tributyrin. These strains are expected to be of potential use in the in situ bioremediation technology of hazardous hydrocarbons and esters under low-temperature conditions.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]