Study on potential of biosurfactant Rhamno NR22 on demulsification of industrial emulsion

Chemical synthesized demulsifier in oil industry and illegal dumping of waste motor oil from workshop industry have caused environmental issues. Rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced from Pseudomonas aeruginosa NR22 (Ps. NR. 22) has unique properties to demulsify the unwanted emulsion by lowering the interfacial tension of the emulsion. The ability to demulsify and separate the water-oil emulsion in waste motor oil from local workshop by running several demulsification test was studied. The utilization of Kay’s and PPGAS minimal with glucose as carbon substrate has enhanced the production of biosurfactant. 410 ml of foam that lasted for 5 hours long were observed on the biosurfactant which was 51% of total volume implied the stability of the biosurfactant. Characterization from FTIR technique showed the chemical bond presented and provided similar result compared to the commercial biosurfactant. From the bottle test, 35% of demulsification percentage was calculated which demonstrated the separation of oil and water phase. A maximum of 9.4cm diameter of clear zone was obtained after performing oil drop area test within 4 hours of production. A positive result shown from oil drop collapse test proved the interfacial activity. All these results showed Rhamno NR22 biosurfactant has a great potential to be applied as a high efficiency and eco-friendly demulsifier for unwanted emulsion in various industries.