The culture was evaluated for emulsification index at 24,48 and 72 h with individual PAHs as well as PAH mixture.
Emulsification index of individual PAH as well as PAH mixture ranged from 45 to 52% (Fig. 1). The PAH mixture was also evaluated after addition of glucose (0.1%) and emulsification index increased to 55% at 72 h. The amount of biosurfactant produced was 1.8 g/L and found to be carbohydrate in nature. Affinity studies indicated maximum affinity of bacterial cells towards fluorene (3.3%)followed by phenanthrene, pyrene and anthracene (2.9%,1.2% and 0.6%, respectively).