Microbe-plant-nanoparticle interactions: role in bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are organic substances that occur naturally on earth. PHCs have emerged as one of the most prevalent and detrimental contaminants in regions comprising soil and water resources. The limitations of conventional physicochemical and biological remediation solutions could be solved by combining remediation techniques. An effective, affordable, and environmentally benign method of reducing petroleum toxins is provided by the advanced idea of bioremediation, which has evolved into nanobioremediation. Environments contaminated with PHCs have been restored through microbe-plant-nanoparticle (NP)-mediated remediation, this review emphasizes how various metallic NPs interact with microbes and plants changing both their activity and that of enzymes, therefore accelerating the remediation process. This work further examines the challenges and possible uses of nanobioremediation, as well as the application of novel technologies in the interactions between bacteria, plants, and NPs for the bioremediation of PHCs. Furthermore, it has been shown that the use of plant-based, microbe-based, microbe-plant-based, and microbe-plant-NP-based techniques to remediate contaminated soils or water bodies is economical and environmentally beneficial. Microbial consortia have been reported as the treasure houses for the cleaning and recovery of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments, and the development of technologies for bioremediation requires an understanding of hydrocarbon degradation mechanisms.

Improved chickpea growth, physiology, nutrient assimilation and rhizoremediation of hydrocarbons by bacterial consortia

BACKGROUND

Soil pollution by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) reduces yield by changing the physico-chemical properties of soil and plants due to PHCs' biotoxicity and persistence. Thus, removing PHCs from the soil is crucial for ecological sustainability. Microbes-assisted phytoremediation is an economical and eco-friendly solution. The current work aimed to develop and use bacterial consortia (BC) for PHCs degradation and plant growth enhancement in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. Initially, the enriched microbial cultures (that were prepared from PHCs-contaminated soils from five distinct regions) were obtained via screening through microcosm experiments. Afterward, two best microbial cultures were tested for PHCs degradation under various temperature and pH ranges. After culture optimization, isolation and characterization of bacterial strains were done to construct two BC. These constructed BC were tested in a pot experiment for hydrocarbons degradation and chickpea growth in PHCs contaminated soil.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that PHCs exerted significant phytotoxic effects on chickpea growth and physiology when cultivated in PHCs contaminated soil, reducing agronomic and physiological traits by 13-29% and 12-43%, respectively. However, in the presence of BC, the phytotoxic impacts of PHCs on chickpea plants were reduced, resulting in up to 24 - 35% improvement in agronomic and physiological characteristics as compared to un-inoculated contaminated controls. Furthermore, the bacterial consortia boosted chickpea's nutritional absorption and antioxidant mechanism. Most importantly, chickpea plants phytoremediated 52% of the initial PHCs concentration; however, adding BC1 and BC2 with chickpea plants further increased this removal and remediated 74% and 80% of the initial PHCs concentration, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In general, BC2 outperformed BC1 (with few exceptions) in promoting plant growth and PHCs elimination. Therefore, using multi-trait BC for PHCs degradation and plant growth improvement under PHCs stress may be an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy to deal with PHCs pollution and toxicity.

Diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in mangroves rhizosphere as an indicator of oil-pollution bioremediation in mangrove forests

Mangrove ecosystems, characterized by high levels of productivity, are susceptible to anthropogenic activities, notably oil pollution arising from diverse origins including spills, transportation, and industrial effluents. Owing to their role in climate regulation and economic significance, there is a growing interest in developing mangrove conservation strategies. In the Arabian Gulf, mangroves stand as the sole naturally occurring green vegetation due to the region's hot and arid climate. However, they have faced persistent oil pollution for decades. This review focuses on global mangrove distribution, with a specific emphasis on Qatar's mangroves. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by mangroves, particularly in relation to the oil industry, and the impact of oil pollution on these vital ecosystems. It outlines major oil spill incidents worldwide and the diverse hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial communities within polluted areas, elucidating their potential for bioremediation. The use of symbiotic interactions between mangrove plants and bacteria offers a more sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. However, the success of these bioremediation strategies depends on a deep understanding of the dynamics of bacterial communities, environmental factors and specific nature of the pollutants.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon: underpinning the contribution of specialist microbial species to contaminant mitigation in the soil

The persistence of PAHs poses a significant challenge for conventional remediation approaches, necessitating the exploration of alternative, sustainable strategies for their mitigation. This review underscores the vital role of specialized microbial species (nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and biosurfactant-producing bacteria) in tackling the environmental impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These resistant compounds demand innovative remediation strategies. The study explores microbial metabolic capabilities for converting complex PAHs into less harmful byproducts, ensuring sustainable mitigation. Synthesizing literature from 2016 to 2023, it covers PAH characteristics, sources, and associated risks. Degradation mechanisms by bacteria and fungi, key species, and enzymatic processes are examined. Nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria contributions in symbiotic relationships with plants are highlighted. Biosurfactant-producing bacteria enhance PAH solubility, expanding microbial accessibility for degradation. Cutting-edge trends in omics technologies, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and nano-remediation offer promising avenues. Recommendations emphasize genetic regulation, field-scale studies, sustainability assessments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. These insights pave the way for innovative, sustainable PAH-contaminated environment restoration.

Functional amyloid fibrils of biofilm-forming marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 interact spontaneously with pyrene and augment the biodegradation

Bacteria thrive in biofilms embedding in the three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Functional Amyloid in Pseudomonas (Fap), a protein in EPS, efficiently sequesters polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Present study reports the characterization of Fap fibrils from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 and describes the interaction with pyrene to assess the impact on pyrene degradation. Overexpression of fap in E. coli BL21(DE3) cells significantly enhances biofilm formation (p < 0.0001) and amyloid production (p = 0.0002), particularly with pyrene. Defibrillated Fap analysis reveals FapC monomers and increased fibrillation with pyrene. Circular Dichroism (CD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) unveil characteristic amyloid peaks and structural changes in Fap fibrils upon pyrene exposure. 3D-EEM analysis identifies a protein-like fluorophore in Fap fibrils, exhibiting pyrene-induced fluorescence quenching. Binding constants range from 5.23 to 7.78 M-1, with ΔG of -5.10 kJ mol-1 at 298 K, indicating spontaneous and exothermic interaction driven by hydrophobic forces. Exogenous Fap fibrils substantially increased the biofilm growth and pyrene degradation by P. aeruginosa PFL-P1 from 46 % to 64 % within 7 days (p = 0.0236). GC-MS identifies diverse metabolites, implying phthalic acid pathway in pyrene degradation. This study deepens insights into structural dynamics of Fap fibrils when exposed to pyrene, offering potential application in environmental bioremediation.

Draft Genome of Nocardia canadensis sp. nov. Isolated from Petroleum-Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil

The bacterial strain WB46 was isolated from the rhizosphere of willow plants (Salix purpurea L.) growing in soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. The strain was subjected to whole-genome shotgun sequencing using Illumina HiSeq. Its draft genome is 7.15 Mb, with a 69.55% GC content, containing 6387 protein-coding genes and 51 tRNA and 15 rRNA sequences. The quality and reliability of the genome were assessed using CheckM, attaining an estimated genome completeness of 98.75% and an estimated contamination of 1.68%. These results indicate a high-quality genome (>95%) and low contamination (<5%). Many of these genes are responsible for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation, such as alkane 1-monooxygenase (alkB) and naphthalene dioxygenase (ndo). 16S rRNA gene analysis, including in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI), showed that strain WB46 belongs to the genus Nocardia, and the most closely related species is Nocardia asteroides. The strain WB46 showed a distance of 63.4% and sequence identity of 88.63%, respectively. These values fall below the threshold levels of 70% and 95%, respectively, suggesting that the strain WB46 is a new species. We propose the name of Nocardia canadensis sp. nov. for this new species. Interestingly, the sequence divergence of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the divergence only occurred in the V2 region. Therefore, the conventional V3-V4, V5-V7, or V8-V9 targeting metabarcoding, among others, would not be able to assess the diversity related to this new species.

Mitigation of heavy metal stress in the soil through optimized interaction between plants and microbes

Agricultural as well as industrial processes, such as mining and textile activities, are just a few examples of anthropogenic activities that have a long-term negative impact on the environment. Each of the aforementioned factors increases the concentration of heavy metals in soil. Heavy metal contamination in soil causes a wide range of environmental issues and is harmful to microbes, plants, and animals. Because of their non-biodegradability and toxic effects, preventing additional metal contamination and remediating the vast majority of contaminated sites around the world is critical. Hence, this review focuses on the effects of metal contamination on soil microbes, as well as plant-microbe interactions. Plant-associated probiotics reduce metal accumulation; the introduction of beneficial microbes is regarded as one of the most promising approaches to improving metal stress tolerance; thus, the study focuses on plant-microbe interactions as well as their actual implications via phytoremediation. Plant-microbe interaction can play an important role in acclimating vegetation (plants) to metalliferous conditions and should thus be studied to improve microbe-aided metal tolerance in plants. Plant-interacted microbes reduce metal accumulation in plant cells and metal bioaccumulation in the soil through a variety of processes. A novel phytobacterial approach, such as genetically modified microbes, is now being used to improve heavy metal cleanup as well as stress tolerance among plants. This review examines our current understanding of such negative consequences of heavy metal stresses, signaling responses, and the role of plant-associated microbiota in heavy metal stress tolerance and interaction.

The effect of petroleum levels on some soil biological properties under phytoremediation and bioaugmentation

With the development of industries and excessive use of petroleum compounds, petroleum pollution has become a serious threat to the environment. The aim of this study was to the effect of petroleum levels on the biological activities of soil affected by phytoremediation and bioaugmentation. A surface soil sample was collected from the polluted areas around Bandar Abbas Oil Refinery Company, and the petroleum-degrading bacteria were isolated. M. yunnanensis (native) was selected among the isolated colonies for further experiment. The used soil in this study was a surface soil collected from Baghu region of Bandar Abbas, Sothern Iran, and treatments were added to soil samples. To evaluate removal of petroleum levels (0, 4, and 8%) from the soil by phytoremediation (control, sorghum, barley, and bermudagrass) and bioaugmentation (control, A. brasilense (non-native) and M. yunnanensis) and bioaugmented phytoremediation, a factorial pot experiment with completely randomized design and three replications was performed. The results demonstrated that sorghum and bermudagrass were more resistant than barley to the toxic effects of petroleum. Positive effect of bacteria on dry weight in polluted soil was greater than in the non-polluted soil. The degradation of petroleum reaches 77% in sorghum + M. yunanesis + 4% petroleum. Plants had stronger ability to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), while bacteria could better degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Application of bacteria and plants stimulated soil biological characteristics (dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase, lipase, bacterial population, and respiration) in polluted soil. Among measured enzymes, dehydrogenase exhibited a stronger response to petroleum levels. Four-percent level had greater irritating effect on soil biological properties. Plants and bacteria rely on differences in biological properties to attain synergy in petroleum degradation. Results indicated that M. yunnanensis has a high ability to remove petroleum from soil, and plants enhance the efficiency of this bacterium.

Bioelimination of Phytotoxic Hydrocarbons by Biostimulation and Phytoremediation of Soil Polluted by Waste Motor Oil

Soils contaminated by waste motor oil (WMO) affect their fertility, so it is necessary to recover them by means of an efficient and safe bioremediation technique for agricultural production. The objectives were: (a) to biostimulate the soil impacted by WMO by applying crude fungal extract (CFE) and Cicer arietinum as a green manure (GM), and (b) phytoremediation using Sorghum vulgare with Rhizophagus irregularis and/or Rhizobium etli to reduce the WMO below the maximum value according to NOM-138 SEMARNAT/SS or the naturally detected one. Soil impacted by WMO was biostimulated with CFE and GM and then phytoremediated by S. vulgare with R. irregularis and R. etli. The initial and final concentrations of WMO were analyzed. The phenology of S. vulgare and colonization of S. vulgaris roots by R. irregularis were measured. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey's HSD test. The WMO in soil that was biostimulated with CFE and GM, after 60 days, was reduced from 34,500 to 2066 ppm, and the mineralization of hydrocarbons from 12 to 27 carbons was detected. Subsequently, phytoremediation with S. vulgare and R. irregularis reduced the WMO to 86.9 ppm after 120 days, which is a concentration that guarantees the restoration of soil fertility for safe agricultural production for human and animal consumption.

Effect of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) on the bacterial communities of wetland rhizosphere soils and their efficiency in HPAM and alkane degradation

The effect of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) on structure and function of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities in constructed wetlands has been largely underinvestigated. In this study, we compare the effect of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/L of HPAM on bacterial community composition of Phragmites australis associated rhizosphere soils in an experimental wetland using MiSeq amplicon sequencing. Rhizosphere soils from the HPAM-free and the 500-mg/L-exposed treatments were used for laboratory experiments to further investigate the effect of HPAM on the soil's degradation and respiration activities. Soils treated with HPAM showed differences in bacterial communities with the dominance of Proteobacteria and the enrichment of potential hydrocarbon and HPAM-degrading bacteria. CO₂ generation was higher in the HPAM-free soils than in the HPAM pre-exposed soil, with a noticeable increase in both soils when oil was added. The addition of HPAM at different concentrations had a more pronounced effect on CO₂ evolution in the HPAM-pre-exposed soil. Soils were able to degrade between 37 ± 18.0 and 66 ± 6.7% of C₁₀ to C₃₀ alkanes after 28 days, except in the case of HPAM-pre-exposed soil treated with 500 mg/L where degradation reached 92 ± 4.3%. Both soils reduced HPAM concentration by 60 ± 15% of the initial amount in the 500 mg/L treatment, but by only ≤ 21 ± 7% in the 250-mg/L and 1000-mg/L treatments. In conclusion, the rhizosphere soils demonstrated the ability to adapt and retain their ability to degrade hydrocarbon in the presence of HPAM.

Composition, impacts, and removal of liquid petroleum waste through bioremediation as an alternative clean-up technology: A review

Exposure to hazardous wastes, especially petroleum wastes hydrocarbon (PWHCs), can damage human health and biological diversity. A huge amount of petroleum waste along with persistent organic pollutants is being generated during exploration and processing of crude oil. The dumping of petroleum waste hydrocarbons in an open pit contaminates the soil which can cause severe threats to human health and agro-geo-environmental ecosystem. The current study aimed to evaluate the mode of occurrence, composition, environmental, and health impacts of petroleum waste by using recent literature. The extracted results show that oil emulsion contains 48% oil, suspension 23%, settled emulsion 42%, and sludge emulsion 36%. The study discusses the possible biological techniques for rehabilitation of petroleum waste-contaminated areas. Several physical and chemical techniques are available for remediation of petroleum waste, but they are either costly or environmentally not feasible. Whereas, biological remediation namely, Bioremediation (Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation), Phytoremediation (Phytodegradation, Rhizoremediation, Phytovolatilization, and Rhizo-filtration) is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to remove petroleum waste hydrocarbons from contaminated soil and water. Some important enzymes (i.e., peroxidase, nitrilase, nitroreductase, phosphatase) and plant species i.e., Acacia and Chloris species are prominent methods to remediate the PWHCs. The knowledge assembled in this review is expected to create new doors for researchers to develop more efficient techniques to control the harmful impacts of PWHCs on the environment and health.

A critical review of oil spills in the Niger Delta aquatic environment: causes, impacts, and bioremediation assessment

The Niger Delta region in South-South Nigeria, on Africa's West Coast, is densely populated. The region, which contains a substantial stock of crude oil and natural gas, has been nicknamed "the engine room" for Nigeria's economic development and progress. It is responsible for up to 90% of the country's economic growth (or gross domestic product/GDP). The region has multiple ecosystems, such as the aquatic environment, that are critical to the survival of the area's various habitats and living species. However, the same region has witnessed unjustifiable environmental pollution arising from oil activities over the years of exploration and production which has orchestrated negative consequences on the Niger Delta ecosystem. This has led to extended negative consequences on natural resources, which also have detrimental repercussions psychologically, ecologically, socially, economically, and physically which, in turn, impacts the overall health of the affected individuals. This write-up provides an overview of the major drivers of the oil leakage in Nigeria's Niger Delta ecosystem as well as the major impacts on the environment. It will also analyze numerous means of remediation in use and extend such for a more inclusive and productive option. Moreover, this review offers key measures that may help to maintain long-term policies for reducing adverse implications and increasing the living standard for the Niger Delta area's affected communities.

Functional microbiome strategies for the bioremediation of petroleum-hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminated soils: A review

Petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals are the two major soil contaminants that are released into the environment in the forms of industrial effluents. These contaminants exert serious impacts on human health and the sustainability of the environment. In this context, remediation of these pollutants via a biological approach can be effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly approach. The implementation of microorganisms and metagenomics are regarded as the advanced solution for remediating such pollutants. Further, microbiomes can overcome this issue via adopting specific structural, functional and metabolic pathways involved in the microbial community to degrade these pollutants. Genomic sequencing and library can effectively channelize the degradation of these pollutants via microbiomes. Nevertheless, more advanced technology and reliable strategies are required to develop. The present review provides insights into the role of microbiomes to effectively remediate/degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in contaminated soil. The possible degradation mechanisms of these pollutants have also been discussed in detail along with their existing limitations. Finally, prospects of the bioremediation strategies using microbiomes are discussed.

Native Heavy Metal-Tolerant Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Improves Sulla spinosissima (L.) Growth in Post-Mining Contaminated Soils

The potential of rhizobacteria in assisting plants used in the phytostabilization or re-vegetation of soils contaminated by heavy metals is gaining interest all around the world. In this context, six rhizobacterial strains isolated from highly heavy metal-contaminated soils situated in abandoned mining sites around the Oujda region (Morocco) were tested with Sulla spinosissima (L.), a native leguminous plant expanding in this area. The strains used were multi-resistant to heavy metals and possessed multiple plant growth-promoting traits. Potential beneficial effects of the strains were also evaluated in planta by measuring various growth and physiological parameters of inoculated Sulla plants grown in sterilized sand. Inoculation with the Rhodococcus qingshengii strain LMR340 boosted plant biomass (39% to 83% increase compared to uninoculated plants), chlorophyll and carotenoid content (up to 29%), and antioxidant enzyme activities (15% to 80% increase). Based on these interesting findings, selected strains were inoculated into plants growing in a heavy metal, multi-polluted, and poor soil. Under these conditions, non-inoculated plants and those inoculated with the strain LMR250 were unable to grow, while the other five bacterial inoculants restored plant growth. The best performing strain, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans LMR291, could be considered as a good biofertilizer and/or biostimulant candidate to be used for promoting the growth of selected plants in re-vegetation and/or phytostabilization programs of degraded and contaminated soils.

In-Depth Characterization of Plant Growth Promotion Potentials of Selected Alkanes-Degrading Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Isolates

The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a bioremediation enhancer in plant-assisted phytoremediation requires several steps, consisting of the screening, selection, and characterization of isolates. A subset of 50 bacterial isolates representing a wide phylogenetic range were selected from 438 morphologically different bacteria that were originally isolated from a petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)-polluted site of a former petrochemical plant. Selected candidate bacteria were screened using six conventional plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, complemented with the genetic characterization of genes involved in alkane degradation, as well as other pertinent functions. Finally, the bacterial isolates were subjected to plant growth promotion tests using a gnotobiotic approach under normal and stressed conditions. Our results indicated that 35 bacterial isolates (70%) possessed at least four PGP traits. Twenty-nine isolates (58%) were able to utilize n-hexadecane as a sole carbon source, whereas 43 isolates (86%) were able to utilize diesel as the sole carbon source. The presence of catabolic genes related to hydrocarbon degradation was assessed using endpoint PCR, with the alkane monooxygenase (alkB) gene found in 34 isolates, the cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (CYP153) gene found in 24 isolates, and the naphthalene dioxygenase (nah1) gene found to be present in 33 isolates. Thirty-six strains (72%) promoted canola root elongation in the growth pouch assay. After several rounds of screening, seven bacterial candidates (individually or combined in a consortium) were tested for canola root and shoot growth promotion in substrates amended by different concentrations of n-hexadecane (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) under gnotobiotic conditions. Our results showed that Nocardia sp. (WB46), Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (ET27), Stenotrophomonas pavanii (EB31), and Gordonia amicalis (WT12) significantly increased the root length of canola grown in 3% n-hexadecane compared with the control treatment, whereas Nocardia sp. (WB46) and Bacillus megaterium (WT10) significantly increased shoot length compared to control treatment at the same concentration of n-hexadecane. The consortium had a significant enhancement effect on root length compared to all isolates inoculated individually or to the control. This study demonstrates that the combination of PGPR traits and the PHC degradation potential of bacteria can result in an enhanced beneficial effect in phytoremediation management, which could lead to the development of innovative bacterial inoculants for plants to remediate PHC-contaminated soils.

Bacillus subtilis Impact on Plant Growth, Soil Health and Environment: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The increased dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers poses a risk to soil fertility and ecosystem stability. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, providing multiple benefits for the enhancement of crop production and soil health. Bacillus subtilis is a common PGPR in soil that plays a key role in conferring biotic and abiotic stress tolerance to plants by induced systemic resistance (ISR), biofilm formation, and lipopeptide production. As a part of bioremediating technologies, Bacillus spp. can purify metal contaminated soil. It acts as a potent denitrifying agent in agroecosystems while improving the carbon sequestration process when applied in a regulated concentration. Although it harbors several antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), it can reduce the horizontal transfer of ARGs during manure composting by modifying the genetic makeup of existing microbiota. In some instances, it affects the beneficial microbes of the rhizosphere. External inoculation of B. subtilis has both positive and negative impacts on the endophytic and semi-synthetic microbial community. Soil texture, type, pH, and bacterial concentration play a crucial role in the regulation of all these processes. Soil amendments and microbial consortia of Bacillus produced by microbial engineering could be used to lessen the negative effect on soil microbial diversity. The complex plant-microbe interactions could be decoded using transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics strategies which would be beneficial for both crop productivity and the well-being of soil microbiota. Bacillus subtilis has more positive attributes similar to the character of Dr. Jekyll and some negative attributes on plant growth, soil health, and the environment akin to the character of Mr. Hyde.

Salix purpurea and Eleocharis obtusa Rhizospheres Harbor a Diverse Rhizospheric Bacterial Community Characterized by Hydrocarbons Degradation Potentials and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties

Phytoremediation, a method of phytomanagement using the plant holobiont to clean up polluted soils, is particularly effective for degrading organic pollutants. However, the respective contributions of host plants and their associated microbiota within the holobiont to the efficiency of phytoremediation is poorly understood. The identification of plant-associated bacteria capable of efficiently utilizing these compounds as a carbon source while stimulating plant-growth is a keystone for phytomanagement engineering. In this study, we sampled the rhizosphere and the surrounding bulk soil of Salixpurpurea and Eleocharis obusta from the site of a former petrochemical plant in Varennes, QC, Canada. Our objectives were to: (i) isolate and identify indigenous bacteria inhabiting these biotopes; (ii) assess the ability of isolated bacteria to utilize alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) as the sole carbon source, and (iii) determine the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential of the isolates using five key traits. A total of 438 morphologically different bacterial isolates were obtained, purified, preserved and identified through PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Identified isolates represent 62 genera. Approximately, 32% of bacterial isolates were able to utilize all five different hydrocarbons compounds. Additionally, 5% of tested isolates belonging to genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, Microbacterium, Bacillus and Stenotrophomonas possessed all five of the tested PGP functional traits. This culture collection of diverse, petroleum-hydrocarbon degrading bacteria, with multiple PGP traits, represents a valuable resource for future use in environmental bio- and phyto-technology applications.