Effect of Bagasse on the Activity of Alkane-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Waste Oil

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of bagasse addition on the activity of alkane-degrading bacteria derived from waste oil. Bagasse, a fibrous residue of sugarcane after juice extraction, has potential as a substrate for various microbial process. In this experiment, alkane-degrading bacteria were isolated from waste oil samples in Okinawa, Japan and their activity in tetracosane and triacontane, which are alkanes constituting machine oils, was evaluated in the presence of dried bagasse, bagasse ash, and carbonized bagasse. The results indicate that addition of dried bagasse and bagasse ash significantly enhances the activity of the bacteria, leading to improved alkane degradation of tetracosane and triacontane. The findings suggests that bagasse can serve as a promising co-substrate for enhancing the efficiency of microbial remediation of oil-contaminated environments.