Microbial Biodegradation of Used Motor Oil on Concrete Surfaces

The ability of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa to biodegrade used motor oil was tested on dried used motor oil on concrete surfaces. This was done to determine whether the use of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a viable method of biochemical cleanup of used motor oil on roadways and automobile parking, preventing environmental used motor oil pollution. Results show the potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to aid in environmental protection. Further work may include developing practical means of application so that the bacterium can be used commercially to prevent motor oil pollution.