Microbial Biodegradation of Used Motor Oil on Concrete Surfaces

The ability of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa to biodegrade used motor oil was tested on dried used motor oil on concrete surfaces. This was done to determine whether the use of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a viable method of biochemical cleanup of used motor oil on roadways and automobile parking, preventing environmental used motor oil pollution. Results show the potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to aid in environmental protection. Further work may include developing practical means of application so that the bacterium can be used commercially to prevent motor oil pollution.

Autorentext

Emily Htway currently is an undergraduate at UC Davis majoring in Neurobiology Physiology and Behavior. This project was completed at Thousand Oaks High School, CA, US. She is a classical and opera trained singer who has performed in many venues including The Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. Her goals are to continue research in the neurosciences