Asphaltene Degradation by Persian Indigenous Bacterium

Asphaltene degradation by isolated Persian indigenous bacteria was conducted in this research. Cell growth was monitored as an indication of bacterium activity at different conditions. Chemical constituents of medium’s brine had an undeniable effect on the cell growth. There was an optimum rate for aeration of the isolated bacterium. 60-rpm aeration rate was obtained as the optimum value. Production of biosurfactant and organic acids was monitored during the cell growth and finally asphaltene content of the bacteria treated crude oil was measured. More than 10 % asphaltene reduction was recorded in this respect.