Petroleum Sludge as a Feedstock for the Microbial Biodiesel Production: Emerging Prospects

摘要

Abstract Purpose This study aims to evaluate the possibility of utilizing petroleum sludge as a feedstock for microorganisms synthesizing lipids.Methods A bio-slurry reactor microcosm experiment simulating a microprototype of petroleum sludge reservoirs in remediation of petroleum contaminated ecosystems was conducted. The?microbial lipogenesis relying on a petroleum-based feedstock and?the?biodegradation efficiency were assessed. The effect of petroleum feedstock on the quantity and major characteristics of biodiesel precursors was determined.Results The study demonstrated that the algae-bacteria-yeast consortium had the greatest potential as a biological agent for biotransformation of petroleum sludge to biodiesel. The optimum period of time for the?petroleum hydrocarbons removal and the?synthesis of biodiesel compliant with standard parameters was 90?days. It achieved the lipid content of 58.5, resulting in the lipid yield of 15.5?g/L. The?lipid productivity of 150.6?mg/L/d was measured up. The key parameters of biofuels obtained from all microcosms comply with the requirements of the standard EN 14214. The efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbons removal from the microcosm soil was 63.Conclusion The capability of the synergistic consortium to produce fatty acids suitable as biodiesel precursors with simultaneous bioremediation of hazardous wastes presents significant industrial, ecological and biotechnological interest.Graphical abstract