Production and Characterization of Yeast Biosurfactant and Its Effect on Soil Microorganisms
Keywords:
surfactant, yeast, dehydrogenase activity, soil washing, petroleum hydrocarbons, remediationAbstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of biosurfactant (BS) solution on soil microbial community and to determine its solubilization properties. Biosurfactant was produced by yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and isolated by extraction into ethyl acetate after the production process. Solubilization of kerosene resulted in the mass solubilization ratio (MSR) kerosene/BS = 217 mg g–1, which reached similar values in comparison with tested synthetic surfactants Triton X-100 and Tween 80. Test of soil dehydrogenase activity showed a significant stimulating effect of produced biosurfactant on soil microorganisms.