Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

With an increase in off shore oil, there is a significant increase in the intensity of maritime transport and the development of petrochemical industries. The problem of pollution of waters by oil and petroleum products becomes an urgent environmental theme. Formed at the emergency oil spills, oil film is detrimental to marine flora and fauna, negatively affects the climate and is harmful to the health of the coastal population. The disadvantages of known methods and units for bioremediation of oil spills are high cost, low efficiency, and unsuitability for the cleaning of open water areas in rough conditions. Our laboratory has developed a novel floating module for bio-utilization of crude oil and petroleum films from the surface of water areas. The module provides oil pollution cleaning by microbial strains with highly efficient rate of oil utilization (μ~0.05h-1) contained in the bio-film (δ ~ 5 microns) on the well-developed surface of the module. We have developed and successfully tested a new laboratory and pilot-scale models and now we are currently designing a semi-industrial module with working volume 10m3. In continuous operation it will utilize about 3.3 m3 of oil product during the 3 months. Our perspective industrial module (V~100 m3) will be capable of bioremediation about ~75000m2 / day of water surface from oil and petroleum film (thickness~10 microns). Our design & technology are patented Russian and international PCT application is currently pending. We are looking to establish beneficial relationships with partners interested in collaborative development and successful commercial exploitation of these novel industrial bio-modules.

Biography