ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is the bioremediation of produced water using Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Biodegradation studies of PAHs in untreated produced water from Egbema Flow Station were undertaken over a period of time using Aspergillus. niger, Pseudomonas. aeruginosa and consortium of the two afformentioned microorganisms. The rate of degradadation was monitored by means of UV-Visible spectrophometer and analysis showed that untreated produced water contained 2530mg/l of hydrocarbon content.

Upon treatment the hydrocarbon content of the produced water was reduced to 1046mg/l, 893mg/l, 1093mg/l for Aspergillus. niger, Pseudomonas. aeruginosa and consortium respectively after 6 weeks of exposure. The results indicate that produced water is readily biodegradable and that microbial cultures have the capability to degrade the PAH component of the petroleum hydrocarbon mixture in produced water. Biodegradation rates were, however, slightly more enhanced by using P. aeruginosa than A. niger.