SCREENING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOSURFACTANTS FROM SOIL-DERIVED PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA USING KEROSENE

–Microorganisms produce surface-active substances called biosurfactants, which are used in industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation. The screening and isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from soil samples to extract biosurfactants is the main objective of this study. To isolate microorganisms using selective media, soil samples were gathered from hydrocarbon-contaminated locations and serially diluted. Based on molecular, biochemical, and morphological characterization, presumed P. aeruginosa colonies were identified. Oil displacement, drop collapse, and emulsification index tests were used to evaluate the production of biosurfactants. Surface tension reduction and possible industrial uses of the extracted biosurfactants were further examined. The findings demonstrate P. aeruginosa environmentally friendly biotechnological applications and validate its effectiveness as a promising biosurfactant producer.