The Ural Collection of Alkanotrophs as a Biological Resource Center

The Regional Specialized Collection of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms (acronym IEGM, WFCC # 285, http://www.iegmcol.ru) operates in the Urals, one of Russia's largest oil- and gas-producing regions, as a center for comprehensive research on environmentally significant hydrocarbon-oxidizing actinomycetes of the genus Rhodococcus (class Actinomycetes). Rhodococci have a rare property of using higher gaseous homologues of methane (propane, n-butane) as the sole carbon source, along with liquid and solid hydrocarbons. They occupy a dominant position in the biotopes of oil pollution areas and play a leading role in biodegradation of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons. The IEGM collection includes bacterial strains capable of degrading broad-spectrum hydrocarbons, petroleum products, and emergent pollutants. The collection strains are resistant to organic solvents, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical pollutants, and are active at extreme temperatures, pH levels, and salinity. Based on the detailed characterization of the biodegradation strains, a series of bacterial preparations with hydrocarbon-oxidizing properties have been developed, which are promising for environmental technologies closely mimicking natural processes. The collection strains are used in bioremediation of soils and waters contaminated with petroleum products and heavy metals, as part of contracts with environmental companies that provide services to the fuel and energy and metallurgical industries. A bioremediation process scheme has been developed and patented, adapted to cold climatic conditions. Examples of long-term cooperation with strategic partners in the biodegradation of oil sludge and ash sludge, the treatment of hydrocarbon- and metal-containing wastewater, and petrochemical wastes are provided.