Fermentation procedure of a crude oil in continuous culture on seawater

Summary The crude oil was degraded (80%) in continuous culturing and non sterile conditions by a mixed bacteria community. The fermentation process relies on a step of pre-emulsification of the substrate before it is introduced into the reactor. The emulsification indispensable for degrading crude oil is performed by the mixed bacteria community during its growth on hydrocarbons. On the other hand, the use of an ultrafiltration device allows the obtention of high cell concentrations (7.6 g·l^-1) and high degradation rates.