Biodegradation of used motor oil

• Grant number: 22/16544-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Elen Aquino Perpetuo
• Grantee: Letícia Carvalho Eustáquio Costa
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/02763-6 - Exploring biosurfactant production by bacteria for bioremediation purposes, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Automotive oils are essential for the proper functioning of different vehicle components. They are basically composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), highly toxic components, and also the additives. Besides that, after use or when contamination occurs, mainly from toxic metals from the auto parts (lead, chromium, barium and cadmium), the oil becomes unusable. It is not biodegradable, so, when improperly discarded, causes great environmental damage, and its indiscriminate burning generates significant emissions of metal oxides and other toxic gases. Legally, the oil destination must be the re-refining process, where contaminants are removed, and the final material acquires the same characteristics as the base oil. However, about 60% of used automotive lubricating oil does not reach the responsible locations. Bioremediation of contaminants is efficient and is gaining increasing prominence, attracting investment. This technology uses a biological process to decrease and/or remove toxic compounds. Bacteria have some advantages which make them useful in the bioremediation process, such as versatile metabolism and fast growth. The genus Bacillus has proved to be a great ally for this technique since it tends to produce excellent biosurfactants. With the above, this project aims to promote the degradation of used engine lubricating oil through biological processes.