Dynamic behaviour of the floating water droplet with hydrocarbon degrading becateria on oil surfaces

Abstract

This study verified the influence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria on the floating water droplet to explore a safer treatment method for oil spillages. The experimental and numerical verifications confirmed that bacteria can affect the floatation of a water droplet by producing surfactants and biofilms. Bio-surfactants can support the floatation of water droplets in oil surfaces and biofilms can retard the water evaporation. Furthermore, nutrient and oil were confirmed to influence the bioactivities and consequently water droplet floatation.