Date of Award
6-2001
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. Daniel Cassidy
Second Advisor
Dr. Duane Hampton
Third Advisor
Dr. Alan Kehew
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Crude oil refining operations conducted by the Crystal Refining Company in Carson City, Michigan have led to the contamination of the soil and groundwater at Carson City Park with petroleum hydrocarbons. In situ biosurfactant production, occurring as a result of the biodegradation activities of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms, was investigated.
Background hydrogeological and biogeochemical data were collected from the groundwater from thirteen monitoring wells at Carson City Park. Further analysis included the identification of biosurfactant producing microorganisms and biosurfactants present in the soil and groundwater.
Results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was producing both monorhamnolipids and dirhamnolipids (glycolipid biosurfactants) in the contaminated zones of the park. Concentrated groundwater surface tension reductions , produced by the rhamnolipids were measured as low as 29.2 dyn/cm. No biosurfactants were found in the non-contaminated wells.
Recommended Citation
Hudak, Andrew J., "In Situ Biosurfactant Production at Carson City Park, Michigan" (2001). Masters Theses. 4782.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4782