Abstract

Bioremediation is a biological treatment process that uses microorganisms to biodegrade environmental pollutants. In this study, lipase production, emulsification of hydrocarbons, growth in the presence of inhibitors, and decolorization of triphenylmethane dyes by the selected isolate were tested. Lipase production was confirmed by the development of a halo region around the colonies on tributyrin agar by the isolate. The isolate was identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical features. Among different hydrocarbons used, the maximum emulsification index was found on xylene (83.33 ± 3.33) % and minimum on diesel (26.67 ±3.33) %. The isolate was able to decolorize malachite green, phenol red, fuchsin, and crystal violet with maximum decolorization was observed for malachite green (96.53 ± 0.69) % and minimum with crystal violet (27.04 ± 1.13) %. The isolate could grow in the presence of growth inhibitors like phenol and lead acetate but was unable to grow in the presence of mercuric chloride. This study suggests that the identified isolate, Staphylococcus saprophyticus Li-B5, is suitable for bioremediation because it can emulsify different hydrocarbons, decolorize various dyes, and produce lipase enzymes.