Efficient Degradation of Grease Using Microorganisms

With the objective of developing an odorless biodegradation of grease trapped in grease traps located in the vicinity of restaurants and other food service businesses, five bacterial isolates were selectively isolated based on their production of extracellular enzymes. Microscopic examination and physiological tests were followed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses for bacterial identification. The four selected isolates of Gram-positive bacteria belong to the genus Bacillus. These isolates produce various types of extracellular enzymes. One of the isolates, R5, produced protease, cellulase, amylase, lipase/ esterase, xylanase and a biosurfactant. These isolates collectively were able to decrease the suspended solid of the trapped grease from 102 to 40 mg/ Land n-hexane extractable material from 21,500 to 4 mg/ L. The method described in this study is convenient and environment friendly. It utilizes harmless, naturally occurring microorganisms selected for their ability to produce enzymes capable of degrading oils, fats and greases commonly found in drains, grease traps, drain lines and sewers.