Objective: This study aimed to isolate bacteria capable of adsorbing to the n-decane surface from various environmental samples, determine their biodegradation abilities, and study the bacterial interactions with the oil/water interface.

Methods: In accordance with the purpose of the study, bacterial isolations were made from environmental samples. The isolates were examined for colony and cell morphologies and Gram reactions. The oil/water interface interactions of the isolates and their adhesion to the oil were determined by the bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon (BATH) test. In addition, the n-decane removal ability of the isolates was quantitatively determined by oil degradation rate analysis.

Results: Twelve bacterial isolates were obtained from the studies related to n-decane degradation and interactions of oil/water interface using n-decane-containing media. The isolates exhibited different colony morphologies on the agar media. It was determined that the isolates were mostly in rod shape and Gram reactions were variable. In the adsorption analysis to the oil/water interface, most of the isolates adhered to the oil/water interface at varying rates (3-25%). It was determined that some isolates did not exhibit hydrophobic properties. n-decane removal rates of the isolates were 48-97%.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, although a direct relationship cannot be established between bacterial hydrophobicity/adhesion and biofilm formation, it can be commented that hydrophobic bacteria form a good biofilm structure at the oil/water interface. It was observed that isolates that adsorb well to n-decane also had a high n-decane removal ability.