Preparation and properties of gelatin/hydrophobic sodium alginate carrier for microbial immobilization

The removal of oil pollution by the biological method is one of the most critical worldwide concerns. To solve the problem of low biodegradation efficiency, a kind of gelatin/hydrophobic sodium alginate carrier with high floatability, hydrophobicity, and biological affinity was prepared in this article to enhance the degradation of oil pollutants. The experimental results show that the saturated oil adsorption and oil retention of heavy oil particles by gelatin/hydrophobic sodium alginate carrier are as high as 9.07 g/g and 93.28%, respectively; the contact angle is 160.434°, the average density is 0.563 g/cm3, the average mechanical strength is 3.04 mN, the penetration rate in 30 s is 92.15%, and the degradation rate of diesel oil in 7 d is 77.85%. Bacillus sp. has a better degradation effect on short-chain alkanes in diesel. In conclusion, the carrier prepared is suitable for bacteria immobilization.