Characterization of the Biosurfactant Produced by Indigenous Bacteria from Mature Fine Tailings

gene sequencing. Results showed that this strain produces rhamnolipids with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 600 mg/L and a minimum surface tension of 38.70 ± 0.08 mN/m. Moreover, when supplemented with whey, the strain showed a high emulsification index of 24 toward toluene (66%) and hexane (60%). The bioremediation of mature fine tailings (MFTs) was conducted under anaerobic conditions by adding a consortium of the four strains that were positive in biosurfactant screening tests. The results showed 53% removal of n-alkane C9-C30 and a reduction in surface tension from 69 ± 0.5 mN/m to a minimum of 54.33 ± 0.5 mN/m. The results suggest the potential successful application of bioaugmentation for in situ biological treatment in the oil sands industry.