Rapid capturing of oil-degrading bacteria by engineered attapulgite and their synergistic remediation for oil spill

Hypothesis: High-efficiency dispersion and enhanced biodegradation play important roles in the treat-ment of oily wastewater. Due to the flaws of chemical surfactants, it is necessary to study the alternative dispersants that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Therefore, applying natural attapulgite (ATP) to coat Brevibacillus parabrevis for dispersion and biodegradation was studied. Experiments: To capture negatively charged bacteria in water, ATP was modified by positively charged Poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). The capturing capability of Poly (allylamine hydrochloride)-attapulgite (PAH-ATP) particles for bacterial cells, emulsification of PAH-ATP particles and bacteria on oil, toxicity of PAH-ATP to bacteria, biodegradation of oil, etc., were comprehensively investigated. Findings: PAH-ATP modified bacteria show a highly effective emulsification for oil due to the synergism of PAH-ATP and bacteria. The emulsion stabilized by (PAH-ATP)@bacteria presents small and stable oil droplets in one month, which is benefit for the following biodegradation. Compared with bare bacteria and PAH-ATP, PAH-ATP can capture bacteria to the surface of the oil droplets which can greatly improve the degradation of oil pollution. Importantly, the presence of PAH-ATP does not inhibit the reproduction and activity of bacteria. Treatment of oily wastewater by combining natural nanoparticles and oil -degrading bacteria has the advantages of economy, environmental protection, and sustainability. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that using PAH-ATP modified bacteria can effectively emulsify oil and facilitate subsequent biodegradation. PAH-ATP can capture bacteria to the surface of oil droplets, significantly improving the degradation efficiency of oil pollution. Furthermore, the presence of PAH-ATP does not inhibit the activity and reproduction of bacteria.