The potential of the microbes in petroleum hydrocarbon remediation in a packed bed
unit using formulated adsorbent was monitored up on the effect of temperature. The
microbes monitored with respect to temperature are classified as mesophilic,
thermophilic and super thermophilic and their operational temperatures are Tmim <
20oC and Tmax < 45oC (mesophilic), Tmm < 20oC and Tmax < 75oC (thermophilic)
and super thermophilic of Tmim < 20oC and Tmax < 120oC. The research
demonstrates the effect of temperature on microbes in terms of microbial growth and
petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. The investigation further revealed that the
remediation was more of thermal remediation than bioremediation. The performance
of the adsorbent was influence significantly by the elevated temperature, because the
petroleum hydrocarbon was more of gaseous phase than liquid phase. The rate of
microbial activity was high and the rate of contact with the adsorbent was low as well
as the potential of the microbes to withstand the condition for their growth was
totally inhibited at temperature above 45oC for mesophilic organism, temperature
above 75oC for thermophilic organism and temperature above 120oC for super
thermophilic.
Keywords: Examination, microbial, potential, packed bed, effect, temperature,
adsorbent
