R. RATHIKA AND C. ALAGESABOOPATHI
Abstract
Biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis a glycolipid (surfactin) which has a character of enhancing the reactions of degradation. To determine the activity of the biosurfactant, the degradation of light motor oil was carried out in the absence as well as in the presence of the surfactin (T1 and T2). The organism was isolated from oil spilled soils and used for the production of biosurfactant. The extracted surfactin was added to medium used for degradation. The concentration of components were analyzed at regular fine intervals (Oth, 30th, 60th day) on 60th day the concentration had reduced more in the treatment with biosurfactant (81.77%) than in the treatment without biosurfactant (98.42%) in comparison with control (98.48%). The degradation was found to be enhanced in the presence of biosurfactants than in its absence.