Comparative evaluation of the bioremediation potential of Chlorella vulgaris for light crude oil from the Behregan oil field, in the presence of chemical dispersants (Galmen OD4000 and Slikgon)

Yali, Maryam; Emtyazjoo, Mozhgan; Jalili, Sahar

Volume 18, Issue 1 (Spring 2026) 3 2026, 18(1): 23-39 | Back to browse issues page

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Yali M, Emtyazjoo M, Jalili S. Comparative evaluation of the bioremediation potential of Chlorella vulgaris for light crude oil from the Behregan oil field, in the presence of chemical dispersants (Galmen OD4000 and Slikgon). 3 2026; 18 (1) :23-39
URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1101-en.html

Comparative evaluation of the bioremediation potential of Chlorella vulgaris for light crude oil from the Behregan oil field, in the presence of chemical dispersants (Galmen OD4000 and Slikgon)

Maryam Yali

, Mozhgan Emtyazjoo

, Sahar Jalili

Department of Marine Biology, NTC, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract: (18 Views)

Bioremediation of crude oil, as a sustainable approach for reducing hydrocarbon pollution, requires simultaneous optimization of biological and environmental factors. This study investigated the bioremediation efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris in combination with two chemical dispersants, Slikgon and Galmen OD4000.The experimental treatments were conducted using Chlorella vulgaris culture medium at three concentrations of Behregan oil field light crude oil (16.25, 32.5, and 48.75 mL), combined with three concentrations of the two dispersants (0.825, 1.625, and 2.43 mL), under three pH levels (5, 7, and 9).Results of crude oil bioremediation in the presence of C. vulgaris and the two dispersants under neutral conditions (pH = 7) showed no statistically significant effect (p ≥ 0.5). Under acidic conditions (pH = 5), the Galmen OD4000 dispersant exhibited higher efficiency than Slikgon. At alkaline pH (pH = 9), increasing the concentration of Behregan light crude oil led to a reduction in removal efficiency by Slikgon; however, for Galmen OD4000, the removal efficiency increased up to 32.5 mL of oil, followed by a decline at higher concentrations. Nutrient ratio analysis revealed that a phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio of 1:10 provided the highest biological performance, while excessive nitrogen without proportional phosphorus decreased bioremediation efficiency. Overall, the results indicated that dispersant performance is pH-dependent. Galmen OD4000 showed superior efficiency under both acidic and alkaline conditions, attributed to its higher oil-in-water emulsion stability and better compatibility with the algal cell surface. These findings suggest that simultaneous adjustment of pH, oil concentration, and nutrient ratios can maximize bioremediation efficiency and offer practical guidance for designing biological oil-cleanup systems in contaminated marine environments.

Keywords: Chlorella vulgaris, bioremediation, dispersant, Slikgon, Galmen OD4000.

Full-Text [PDF 1209 kb] (12 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Pollution
Received: 2026/02/15 | Accepted: 2026/05/28 | Published: 2026/05/28