Research Article

Bioremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A Cost-Effective Nature-Based Approach for Environmental Remediation

Abstract

The increasing global demand for petroleum as an energy source and industrial raw material has led to intensified activities in it extraction, transportation, and refining, resulting in significant environmental contamination, particularly soil pollution. Petroleum hydrocarbons are persistent in the environment due to their hydrophobic nature and low biodegradability, allowing them to accumulate in soil ecosystems for extended periods. Many petroleum constituents, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are toxic and have been associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and ecotoxic effects, posing serious risks to human health, terrestrial organisms, and aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil under controlled laboratory conditions over a 28-day period. Soil samples were artificially contaminated and treated with different concentrations of yeast (1% and 2%), while a control flask received no microbial treatment. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were quantified using EPA Method 418.1 and spectrophotometric analysis at 320 nm. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in hydrocarbon concentration in yeast-treated samples compared to the control. The highest degradation was observed in the flask treated with 2% S. cerevisiae, indicating that increased microbial concentration enhances biodegradation efficiency. These findings suggest that S. cerevisiae has strong potential as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly agent for the bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils.