Thermophilic bacteria in UAE environment can enhance biodegradation and mitigate wellbore problems

Abstract

Several strains of thermophilic bacteria were isolated from the environment of the United Arab Emirates. These bacteria show extra ordinary resistance to heat and have their maximum growth rate ranging from 45C to 80C. This paper investigates the potential of using these facultative bacteria for both in sitll and ex sitll bioremediation of oil spills and microbial enhanced oil recovery. In a series of batch experiments, bacterial growth was observed using a Computer Image Analyzer following a recently developed technique. Experiments show clearly that the growth rate is high in the presence of crude oil. This is coupled with a rapid degradation of the crude oil. These bacteria were found to be ideal for breaking down long-chain organic molecules at a temperature of 80C, which is the typical temperature of the light oil reservoirs in the Gulf region.