Biodegradation of diesel oil by cold-adapted microorganisms in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate

The effect of different concentrations of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on biodegradation of diesel oil was assessed during 32 days at 10°C, under simulated environmental conditions, in liquid culture and in an alpine soil. Low SDS concentrations (50–100 mg 1−1) significantly enhanced oil biodegradation by a psychrotrophic inoculum in liquid culture, whereas higher SDS concentrations (500–1000 mg I−1) inhibited hydrocarbon biodegradation. Oil biodegradation by the indigenous microorganisms in soil was inhibited at all SDS concentrations tested. The surfactant itself was rapidly biodegraded both in liquid culture and in soil.